Boston Eye Exams with Indirect Ophthalmoscopy

When considering and eye exam in greater Boston it is helpful to learn about the types of instruments and techniques such as indirect ophthalmoscopy that might be used as part of your visit. During an eye exam, your eye doctor may instill eye drops to dilate your pupils. Dilation is often part of a comprehensive eye examination. It allows the doctor to see inside the back part of the eye. Some of the structures that become easier to see with dilation include the crystalline lens of the eye, the optic nerve and the retina.

The indirect ophthalmoscope is an instrument usually mounted on a headset. It projects a bright light and, when used in conjunction with a hand held lens, gives your eye doctor a stereoscopic view of the central and peripheral retina, as well as the optic nerve. This allows the doctor to look for pathology such as retinal hemorrhages, tumors and edema.

If you notice symptoms in your vision such as flashing lights or floating dots, your doctor will use the indirect ophthalmoscope to rule out peripheral retinal holes or tears. Your doctor may also use a technique called scleral depression which involves using mild pressure on the eyeball with an instrument such as a Q-Tip to better visualize the peripheral retina. This technique enhances the view of subtle pathology in the peripheral retina which could potentially lead to a retinal detachment.

For more information or to schedule an eye examination, contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.