How to Use an Ophthalmoscope?

The ophthalmoscope is an instrument used by the doctor to examine the interior of the eye. The observation of the internal structures of the eye, such as the papilla optical, the blood vessels of the retina, the retina, the choroid and the macula, allows the diagnosis of pathologies. The light projected by the instrument is reflected on the retina and returns to the ophthalmoscope, creating a magnified image that the physician can observe. It is a simple tool that can be used perfectly if thoroughly studied. This article will help you to use one. stairway

Instructions

1 Check if the ophthalmoscope is working properly. Turn the switch to turn on the unit and check if it emits a light. If not, replace the batteries and try again. Look through the eyepiece to make sure your vision is clear. If present, remove or slide the lens cover.

2 Prepare the patient. Ask him to sit down and take off his glasses. Explain what an ophthalmoscope is and warn it of the intensity of the light it emits.

3 Prepare the room and position it correctly. Lower the lights in the room a lot. The presence of ambient light reduces the magnification capacity of the ophthalmoscope and degrades the image quality. Place your chair near the patient. Theoretically, you should sit at the same height when taking the exam.

4 Reset the device. Turn the ophthalmoscope wheel to the “0” position.

5 The exam begins. Ask the patient to fix a spot in the room near the ceiling behind the shoulders. The fixation of a certain point relaxes the patient and prevents rapid eye movements, which could obstruct the observation. Put your right hand on his forehead and spread your fingers well. The thumb should be gently placed on the patient’s eye to lift his upper eyelid. Hold the ophthalmoscope with your left hand over your left eye and keep one arm away from the person. Point the light at the eye to be examined (in this case the left) to examine the pupil and examine the red reflex. Use this reflection as a guide and slowly move the instrument (and your head) to the patient’s eye. Stop when your forehead comes into contact with your right thumb. Watch the papilla optical. Turn the lens wheel to sharpen this structure according to your needs. Check the macula by asking the patient to briefly fix the instrument light. Repeat the process with the other eye.

6 Write down everything you found.

Tips

• When analyzing the patient’s left eye, use your left eye and vice versa.
• Do not worry that you need to get too close to the patient to check his eyes, as it is absolutely necessary to examine every detail.
• If you notice something abnormal in your eye, look for other signs to define a diagnosis.
• Keep your eyes open when looking through the ophthalmoscope, so do not tire them.

Warnings

• Do not allow a patient to whom you have dilated the pupils to drive. He should wait at least an hour.

Things that you need

• Ophthalmoscope