The ophthalmoscope is a medical instrument intended to examine the eyesight and eyes of patients. Thanks to this tool, doctors can detect a good number of ocular pathologies but not only… Find out what an ophthalmoscope is used for and how to choose it.

The ophthalmoscope is a tool for performing examinations of the internal media of the eye (also called the fundus) such as the retina, cornea, crystalline lenses, using a light source. The latter is concentrated in a narrow and bright beam directed towards the retina through the pupil. Observation of the eye with the ophthalmoscope reveals a great deal of information on possible ocular pathologies (cataracts, macular degeneration) or in the event of diabetes, arterial hypertension, screening for intracranial hypertension… This compliance must be carried out by a practitioner experienced, practiced with the use of the ophthalmoscope.

There are ophthalmoscopes with conventional or LED lighting, powered by batteries or a rechargeable battery.

Composition

The ophthalmoscope consists of a handle, where the light source and batteries are located, and a head equipped with a mirror, lenses, diaphragms and filters.

For a good observation, during the examination of the eye, the practitioner needs a source of light to correctly see the fundus of the eye and possibly detect abnormalities. This is where the ophthalmoscope comes in. The source of light that it diffuses allows the doctor to examine the eye in the best conditions. It can use according to its needs different interchangeable diaphragms to modulate the intensity of the light, filters to improve the vision.

Using the ophthalmoscope, the doctor examines the retina, the cornea, the anterior and posterior chamber, the iris, the lens, the vitreous humor as well as the blood vessels, the optic nerve disc, the choroid, etc. which makes it possible to detect pathologies such as myopia, presbyopia, retinal detachment …

At the end of the consultation, corrective glasses or lenses may be prescribed to the patient.

The stages of operation

In the past, before any examination, the practitioner had to reduce the light in the room so that the pupil dilated. Today, with new ophthalmoscopes, this step is no longer necessary. The doctor can start the examination directly. The patient must then stare at a distant point, the doctor will expose the fundus of the eye to the light of the ophthalmoscope to examine it. The more experienced can perform the exercise without dilating the pupil.

The ophthalmoscope is a relatively easy to use tool.

When to use it?

The ophthalmoscope can be used in many situations, in case of suspicion of macular degeneration, headaches, myopia or any other eye abnormalities but also to check the eye health of the patient in case of diabetes, high blood pressure , etc.

To choose an ophthalmoscope, several criteria must be taken into account:

• the quality and type of light. The latest generation of LED lighting devices provide natural light that neither dazzles nor distorts colors. The new models are very practical because they do not require changing bulbs. They still pose a problem: in the event of a breakdown, the entire head must then be changed and not just the defective bulb;
• the choice of diaphragms and filters. They improve the sharpness of vision and should be chosen according to the needs of the practitioner;
• the type of food. The smallest ophthalmoscopes, for nomadic use and a small footprint generally operate with batteries. Models intended more for use in practice are generally recharged from the mains.

The system, the transport bag, the size are also some of the criteria to remember.

The different models

There are different types of ophthalmoscopes. To make your choice, it is important to refer to various criteria such as:

• the diaphragms (point with a small or a large spot; vertical slit to determine the level of retinal detachment; with fixation star for a more global examination);
• filters to play on colors and lights to improve vision and simplify analysis;
• the accessories (eye shields in front of the hand, acuity scales, tonometers, etc.) are also an important point. They allow for a more in-depth examination.