Fundoskopie

Fundoskopie, or fundoscopy, is the examination of the interior surface of the eye—the fundus—using an ophthalmoscope or a specialized camera. The view encompasses the retina, optic disc, macula, vessels, and the posterior pole. It is a routine part of ophthalmic and general medical eye exams and helps detect ocular pathology as well as signs of systemic diseases.

Techniques include direct ophthalmoscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and wide-field imaging. Direct ophthalmoscopy uses a handheld instrument to view the fundus directly at close range, providing a magnified image with a narrow field. Indirect ophthalmoscopy uses a condensing lens and a light source to form an inverted, wider view of the retina, often with better visualization of peripheral areas. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy with a condensing lens is another common approach. Fundus photography and fluorescein angiography may be used for documentation and vascular assessment.

Preparation and procedure typically involve pupil dilation with mydriatic drops to improve visualization; the patient sits or lies back while the examiner analyzes the optic nerve head, macula, and retinal vessels. While non-dilated examination is possible in some cases, dilation generally provides a more complete view. Findings are described as normal or abnormal; common abnormalities include retinal hemorrhages, microaneurysms, exudates, cotton-wool spots, neovascularization, macular changes, papilledema, and signs of retinal detachment or optic neuropathies.

Safety and limitations include transient blurred vision and light sensitivity after dilation, and occasional discomfort. Media opacities (such as cataract) or small pupils can limit view. Indirect methods require more training but offer a wider field and depth perception. Contraindications for dilation are rare but include certain ocular conditions where pupil dilation poses risk.