What Is an Ophthamoloscope Used for?

An ophthalmoscope gives doctors a direct look into the eye of his patients. Although this instrument has been around for 150 years, new technology has moved eye examination and diagnosis into a new realm. Doctors can not only examine the interior of the eye but can now take crystal clear pictures.

Ophthalmoscope

• An ophthalmoscope is a lighted device used by an eye doctor to examine the interior of the eye. The eye doctor will observe a healthy eye or check for abnormalities in the lens, retina or optic nerve. Not only is an ophthalmoscope essential during eye exams; it is also invaluable when evaluating patients for other health ailments such as headaches, geriatrics, cardiac difficulty and hypertension.

Digital

• A new digital ophthalmoscope no longer relies on the skill of the eye doctor. A digital ophthalmoscope uses special lens digital imaging and lighting technology. This allows a quality digital image to be recorded for the doctor to review. This new device gives a picture equal to that of specialized cameras only found in hospitals.

Direct

• The direct ophthalmoscope is a handheld device that contains a concave mirror that directs light in through the pupil. A rotating disc enable the doctor to examine the eye at different magnifications. The direct ophthalmoscope is used to examine for pressure in the brain and to check for tumors.

  Patients with diabetes need a direct ophthalmoscope exam once every six months to prevent diabetic retinopathy. Vision loss, as a result of diabetes, can be prevented by retinal laser treatment if caught early.

  Symptoms of hypertensive changes in the retina may be an indication of an impending stroke and can be caught by a direct ophthalmoscopy.

Indirect

• An indirect ophthalmoscope is a binocular type instrument that allows the doctor to focus more closely on specific areas inside the eye. It gives the doctor a much wider and more in depth view of the eye. The indirect ophthalmoscope allows a better view of the retina and can diagnose retinal ailments such as detached retina, cornea distortion and cataracts. A brighter light is used for an examination if the retina is cloudy due to cataracts.

  A wider view is taken to determine the source of interference in the return of light in the retina. The indirect ophthalmoscope is used for detecting such interferences like scars, pigment on the lens or corneal disturbances.

Preparation & Side Effects

• The ophthamoloscope get its view into the eye through the pupil. Eye drops are often used to dialate the pupil. This gives the doctor a better look at the interior of the eye. It is a painless part of the process, however, following the eye exam, patients may suffer blurred vision and sensitivity to light for a short time. Special glasses are provided to protect the eyes until they return to normal.