Ophthalmoscopy

Funduscopy (Eye exam)

What To Think About

• Other eye tests may be done routinely along with ophthalmoscopy, including vision testing and tonometry testing for glaucoma. For more information, see the medical tests Vision Tests and Tonometry.
• Direct ophthalmoscopy is done more frequently than indirect ophthalmoscopy. Indirect ophthalmoscopy is a more difficult procedure and requires greater skill and more specialized equipment than direct ophthalmology, so it is generally done by ophthalmologists and optometrists.
• Indirect ophthalmoscopy has several advantages over direct ophthalmoscopy:
  • It allows better visualization of the inside of the eye when a cataract is present.
  • It provides a three-dimensional (3-D) view of the back of the eye, allowing a more detailed view of certain eye conditions (such as growths, optic nerve swelling, or retinal detachment).
  • It allows a wider view of the back of the eye than direct ophthalmoscopy.
• If your health professional suspects a problem with the blood vessels in your eye, a test called eye angiography may be done. This test uses fluorescein dye and a camera to photograph blood vessels in the eye. For more information, see the medical test Eye Angiogram.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Alison Allen	Last Updated: August 16, 2007
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Ian MacDonald, MDCM, FRCSC - Ophthalmology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.