Fundoscopy

What is a fundoscopy?

A fundoscopy is a test that allows your Optometrist to look at the back of your eye, which is called the fundus. A fundoscopy is done as part of an eye examination and may be done as part of a routine physical examination. The test is vital in determining the health of the optic disc and retina.

Do I need a fundoscopy?

Your Optometrist may use a fundoscopy to screen for eye conditions and diseases that can affect blood vessels. These conditions include:

  • Retinal tear or detachment
  • Damage to your optic nerve
  • macular degeneration- a loss of vision in the centre of your visual field
  • Hypertension or high blood pressure
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis- infection of the retina
  • Glaucoma (excessive pressure in the eye)
  • Melanoma- a type of skin cancer that can spread to your eye

What happens during the test?

At the beginning of the procedure, we may use eye drops to dilate your pupils.

Next, the Optometrist will examine the back of your eye. There are three different ways to be examined:

Direct examination:  You will be seated in a chair, and the lights in the room will be turned off. Your Optometrist will sit across from you and use an ophthalmoscope to examine your eye.

Indirect examination:  You will be asked to lie down or sit in a reclined position. Your Optometrist will wear a bright light positioned on their forehead. They will shine the light on your eye while holding a lens in front of your eye to help them examine it.

Slit-lamp examination:  You will sit with an instrument in front of you, known as a slit-lamp. It will have a place for you to rest your chin and forehead. Next, your Optometrist will turn on a bright light in front of your eye and use a microscope to look at the back of your eye.