Eye exam - fundoscopy
Author: Maria Yiallouros, Gesche Tallen, MD, PhD, erstellt am: 2007/12/19, Editor: Prof. Dr. med. Ursula Creutzig, English Translation: Hannah McRae, Last modification: 2015/05/08
Eye exams (such as the fundoscopy) are routine examinations, which are usually performed by the primary care physician as part of the physical exam on admission. For specific concerns, a specialist (ophthalmologist) will be consulted.
During a fundoscopy (ophthalmoscopy), the doctor examines the patient's retina by using a special lamp called ophthalmoscope.
The doctor will also assess the appearance of the optic nerve in order to detect or rule out signs of increased intracranial pressure. Such an increase may be caused by a brain tumor and represents by a swelling of the optic nerve root that can be seen in a certain area of the retina.
Depending on the patient's age, thus ability to cooperate, the assessment of visual acuity may also be included in the eye exam. This includes, for example, testing the child's colour vision, visual field, pupillary reactions and eye movements.