Types of Ophthalmoscopes

The ophthalmoscope was invented In 1847 by Charles Babbage. Over time, it underwent several modifications and advancements by the industry. The latest version of Ophthalmoscope is highly efficient and user friendly. For any health care professional working with vision, it is a necessity.

The ophthalmoscope is a medical device used for looking inside the eye of the patient. This process is called Ophthalmoscopy. The ophthalmoscope is also called as funduscope. Using this equipment a health care professional can examine vitreous humor and the retina. For any eye examination, the ophthalmoscope is an important device for the diagnosis of the eye related diseases and conditions.

There are two major categories where ophthalmoscopes can be classified.

Direct ophthalmoscope: It is a flashlight-sized instrument, containing several lenses. The direct ophthalmoscope can amplify the image around 15 times original size. A normal direct ophthalmoscope gives a field of view of approximately 6 to 10 degrees and magnification feature of about 15 times. This type of ophthalmoscope is most generally used for regular checkups.

A common process for examination includes having the patient open both eyes & cover up one eye with a wand. Slow movement towards patient, with gradually reducing the power of the lens is required while testing. First focus should be on the lens and then the eye. While performing ophthalmoscopy, it is recommended not to put hands over patient's head or shoulder as this may affect the accuracy of the exam.

Indirect ophthalmoscope: This medical device contains a light on one end and a small lens. A standard indirect ophthalmoscope gives 30 degrees of field of view and 5 times magnification. The output is wider, and gives clear idea of inside structure of eye. With a clear image the indirect ophthalmoscope captures the correct status of the eye and helps the healthcare professional is assessing the overall condition of the eye. Viewing the retina in concert with the rest of the eye, a professional can assess a myriad of conditions. The indirect ophthalmoscope can be in either monocular or binocular in nature. Using this type of indirect ophthalmoscope, four types of ophthalmoscopy can be done:

    Slit lamp indirect ophthalmoscopy
    Head mounted binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy
    Monocular indirect ophthalmoscopy
    Modified (monocular) indirect ophthalmoscopy

There are many ophthalmoscopes present in market containing helpful features. The consolidated set of features of a good ophthalmoscope should include the following:

    It should be workable with undiluted and small pupils.
    View of fundus should be panoramic, wider and clear.
    On standard, magnification should increase by 25 degrees approximately.
    It should provide an appropriate field of view

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