Ophthalmoscopy

Ophthalmoscopy ( gr ὀφθαλμοσκοπία, ophthalmoskopia - " the perception of the eye" ) or ophthalmoscopy or fundoscopy (from Latin fundus within the meaning of the eye) allows the inspection and assessment of the visible parts of the eye. In particular, the retina, (retina ), and the blood vessels supplying them can be examined. The optic nerve head from the ( blind spot ) springing, bright - red appearing arteries cross the dark - red appearing veins of the retina.

Often an examination of the fundus is prepared with dilating drugs in order to provide better insight into what goes hand in hand with a temporary inability to drive the subject.

History

The 1850/51 developed by Hermann von Helmholtz ophthalmoscope ( ophthalmoscope ) can be considered the first practically applied device for inspection be viewed in the interior of an organ. In contrast to an endoscope, it does not penetrate physically into the organ a.

Species

Ophthalmoscopy can be done in two different ways:

• With direct ophthalmoscopy a concave mirror with a peep hole or a converging lens in the center to illuminate the fundus as so-called direct ophthalmoscope is brought very close between the patient's eye and the eye examiner. The distance is about 10 cm between the patient and examiner, so that the investigation is often perceived as unpleasant.

• With indirect ophthalmoscopy each a lighted section of the fundus is viewed from a distance of about 50 cm by means of a light source and a held in 2-10 cm from the patient's eye loupe.

With direct ophthalmoscopy the central portions as optic nerve head, vascular origins and the yellow spot (macula lutea) can be viewed easily and with the caused by the eye's lens magnification.

With indirect ophthalmoscopy, the retina, the optic nerve, the vessels, the macula lutea ( yellow spot ) and the retinal periphery can easily examine. The magnification is not as strong as in the direct ophthalmoscopy, but the overview stereoscopic (3D) assessment here is much better and unlike direct ophthalmoscopy possible so that most ophthalmologists prefer this examination technique. In addition, the indirect ophthalmoscopy can be carried out on the slit lamp. Thus, the retinal image can be enlarged or assessed under projection of a light gap ( even stronger 3D effect ). Another instrument for indirect reflection is the Bonoskop.

In recent years so-called scanning laser ophthalmoscopes were brought to the market, which can generate high-resolution three-dimensional layer or reliefs by a point or zeilenweisem retinal scanning and confocal aperture and lighting technology in the field of imaging. Patients remain using this method usually roadworthy as they get given no medication for pupil dilation, and allow the recordings of her eye look yourself. The application of the method is not taken over by statutory health insurance ( individual health power).