The fundus of the eye is the inner surface of the eyeball, which is visible during ophthalmoscopy.
Ophthalmoscopy is an examination of the fundus with special lighting and an increase of 4-16 times. For this, there are ophthalmoscopes - special devices that are manual and hardware. The fundus can be shown in a direct or inverted image. And ophthalmoscopy is classified according to the same criterion for direct and reverse. To get the full picture, the fundus is examined in various types of lighting: red, redless, yellow, blue, etc.
Ophthalmoscopy is best done with an enlarged, dilated pupil. For this, immediately before the procedure, the patient is instilled with special drugs (often atropine). But, if there is a suspicion of glaucoma, then the pupil is not dilated, so as not to increase intraocular pressure.
The usual procedure shows that the fundus is red in color, the intensity of which depends on the content of the corresponding pigments (retinal and choroidal) in the retina and choroid.
The following elements are clearly visible on the surface of the fundus:
- an optic nerve disk (a pale pink circle or an oval with a small indentation in the central part - a vascular funnel. Located on the retina, slightly inside).
- Central arteries and veins of the retina (coming out of the disc, divided into upper and lower branches, then into smaller branches. Moreover, the arteries are lighter and more direct, and the veins are dark and branched).
- a yellow spot of the retina (located on the outer pole of the retina, the color is denser and darker than that of the nerve, in shape resembles an oval, in the center of which there is a dark dimple).
Checking the eye day allows you to identify certain pathological processes. They can occur due to damage to the optic nerve or the eye itself, as well as due to increased intracranial pressure (arterial hypertension), diabetes mellitus, heart failure, hereditary diseases, various kinds of poisoning.
The most common fundus pathologies:
- congestive processes in the disk - occurs with various circulatory disorders, most often with arterial hypertension.
- pale disc - indicates the presence of atrophic processes
- a tumor in any part of the retina.
- pathological development of the optic nerve.
- Retinal pathology: impaired blood flow, inflammation, turbidity, dystrophy, hemorrhage, etc.
- Vascular pathology: sclerosis, tumors, degeneration, inflammation.
- pathology due to radiculitis or osteochondrosis.
An ophthalmoscopy is performed by an ophthalmologist, and diagnoses are made together with a neuropathologist or neurosurgeon.
Why do ophthalmoscopy?
Checking the fundus allows you to accurately diagnose various visual impairments. An ophthalmologist examines the general condition of the retina, finds the causes of visual impairment and can make a prediction whether there will be progression in the disease. In addition, the state of the ocular day provides information on the state of blood vessels, the presence of spasms, and features of the blood supply to the brain. This information is necessary for neuropathologists to detect increased intracranial pressure and other problems associated with blood vessels.
With the help of ophthalmoscopy, doctors can identify dangerous tumors in time. In this case, an additional consultation is prescribed to a neurosurgeon so that he can determine the treatment methods and the need for surgery.
In any case, if visual acuity worsens, white flies or dark dots fly in front of your eyes, the view is narrowed, then you need not to waste time, but seek help. The sooner the causes of the disease are identified and treatment is prescribed, the greater the chance of a full recovery.