Some Benefits Derived From Using Indirect Ophthalmoscope

By Teri Farley


Ophthalmoscopy is examination of the inner part of the eye with the help of an instrument known as an ophthalmoscope. The procedure falls into two categories, direct as well as indirect ophthalmoscopy. In direct ophthalmoscopy, the eye's image is produced as an upright image that is up to fifteen times the original size. The latter inverts the image not beyond five times the sizes and the instrument used is an indirect ophthalmoscope.

There are different features of instruments used that determine which of the two procedures is adopted. For this reason, each type of examination uses its appropriate funduscope. The direct funduscope is tiny, almost the size of a hand-held torch, with potent lenses offering enlargement.

This type is commonly used for routine examinations. The examination of the inner part of the eye using ophthalmoscope process has a head band that holds a light together with a small handheld lens. The design provides a wider view of the inner part of the eye.

The other advantage is that it provides better clarity for the opacities of the retina. This is due to the enhanced lighting that promotes visualization through the thick cloudy media. This type of ophthalmoscope has the ability to improve vision by separating paths of incident and reflected lights.

This instrument provides indirect illumination which enhances the pigmented lens size. The equipment is also best for viewing retina because it has monocular and binocular which facilitate peripheral views. The other advantage is that the binocular ophthalmoscope gives examiner better access to the stereoscopic view which is advantageous due to the 3D view it gives the retinal detachment visualization.

When using a binocular instrument, the examiner gets access to stereoscopic view. This allows visualization of retinal detachment possible in three dimensions. The procedure also produces high quality stereoscopic images that are well illuminated. The complete equipment is portable. When used, the lens is held at arm's length close to the patient's eye. This sets the examiner away from the patient, which is not intimidating in the case of apprehensive patients.

The indirect type of instrument allows a wider working distance for the patient and doctor. This means that even lower powered lenses can provide larger views. It does not demand strict cooperation as is the case with its counterpart. It allows for viewing retina in far ends.

There are a few limitations though of using the indirect ophthalmoscope. It presents images in inverted vertical and horizontal formats that can be quite complicated and the level of magnification can also be lower. You will need to have a lot of patience so as to get a better view of image using this instrument. Nevertheless, the benefits of using this binocular type of ophthalmoscope outweigh these few limitations and so you can consider opting for it in your practice.




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