Ophthalmoscopy: Results


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Results


Ophthalmoscopy is a test that allows a health professional to see inside the back of the eye (called the fundus) and other structures using a magnifying instrument (ophthalmoscope) and a light source.

Ophthalmoscopy
Normal:
  • All of the structures inside the eye appear normal. See a picture of a normal retina Click here to see an illustration. as seen through an ophthalmoscope.
Abnormal:
  • The retina is detached.
  • Swelling of the optic nerve (papilledema) is found.
  • Optic nerve damage caused by glaucoma is found.
  • Changes in the retina (such as hard, white deposits beneath the retina called drusen, or broken blood vessels called hemorrhages) indicate macular degeneration.
  • Damaged blood vessels or bleeding in the back of the eye is seen. This could be caused by diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
  • Cataracts are found.


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Last updated: July 06, 2007
Author: Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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