Ophthalmoscopy is an examination of the back part of the eye (fundus), which includes the retina, optic disc, choroid, and blood vessels
Some conditions which might be recognized during an ophthalmoscopic exam include:
- damage to the optic nerve
- retinal tear or detachment
- glaucoma
- macular degeneration, a loss of vision in the center of the visual field
- cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, an infection of the retina
- melanoma
- hypertension
- diabetes
- One example of a condition that requires an ophthalmoscopic exam is retinal migraine, a rare type of migraine that involves an aura. Unlike most migraines with aura, a retinal migraine affects vision in one eye only. The criteria for identifying retinal migraines include vision changes in one eye. These may consist of flickering lights or even temporary blindness. An ophthalmoscopic exam may be useful on this condition.
- Orbital lesions, cranial neuropathies, cavernous sinus lesions, and ophthalmoplegic migraine can present with periocular pain, headaches, and diplopia. Ophthalmoplegic migraine is a rare syndrome frequently affecting children, in which headache is associated with ophthalmoplegia and third, fourth or sixth cranial nerves palsy.
- Papilledema is optic disc swelling specifically secondary to raised ICP (intracranial pressure) and is a vital clue for accurate diagnosis; performing fundoscopy is essential in detecting this sign.
The red reflex is a reflective phenomenon seen when light passes through the pupil and is reflected back off the retina to a viewing aperture, creating a reddish orange glow.
See a video with the technique here.
See a description of normal findings here.
See papilledema here.
https://www.bmj.com/rapid-response/2011/10/31/ophthalmic-aspects-headaches
https://www.bmj.com/rapid-response/2011/10/31/ophthalmic-aspects-headaches
https://www.eyenews.uk.com/features/ophthalmology/post/headache-the-clue-is-in-the-eyes