Dilated fundus examination
Encyclopedia
Dilated fundus examination (DFE) is a diagnostic procedure that employs the use of mydriatic eye drop
s (such as tropicamide
) to dilate
or enlarge the pupil
in order to obtain a better view of the fundus
of the eye
. Once the pupil is dilated, examiners often use specialized equipment such as an ophthalmoscope or fundus camera
to view the inner surfaces of the eye. DFE has been found to be a more effective method for evaluation of internal ocular health than non-dilated examination. It is frequently performed by ophthalmologists and optometrists as part of an eye examination
.
Eye drop
Eye drops are saline-containing drops used as a route to administer medication in the eye. Depending on the condition being treated, they may contain steroids, antihistamines, sympathomimetics, beta receptor blockers, parasympathomimetics, parasympatholytics, prostaglandins, non-steroidal...
s (such as tropicamide
Tropicamide
Tropicamide is an anticholinergic used as a mydriatic. In Russia, it is used to some degree as an inexpensive recreational drug...
) to dilate
Pupillary response
Pupillary response or dilation of the pupil is a physiological response that varies the size of the pupil of the eye via the iris dilator muscle...
or enlarge the pupil
Pupil
The pupil is a hole located in the center of the iris of the eye that allows light to enter the retina. It appears black because most of the light entering the pupil is absorbed by the tissues inside the eye. In humans the pupil is round, but other species, such as some cats, have slit pupils. In...
in order to obtain a better view of the fundus
Fundus (eye)
The fundus of the eye is the interior surface of the eye, opposite the lens, and includes the retina, optic disc, macula and fovea, and posterior pole. The fundus can be viewed with an ophthalmoscope. The term may also be inclusive of Bruch's membrane and the choroid.The color of the fundus varies...
of the eye
Human eye
The human eye is an organ which reacts to light for several purposes. As a conscious sense organ, the eye allows vision. Rod and cone cells in the retina allow conscious light perception and vision including color differentiation and the perception of depth...
. Once the pupil is dilated, examiners often use specialized equipment such as an ophthalmoscope or fundus camera
Fundus camera
A fundus camera or retinal camera is a specialized low power microscope with an attached camera designed to photograph the interior surface of the eye, including the retina, optic disc, macula, and posterior pole A fundus camera or retinal camera is a specialized low power microscope with an...
to view the inner surfaces of the eye. DFE has been found to be a more effective method for evaluation of internal ocular health than non-dilated examination. It is frequently performed by ophthalmologists and optometrists as part of an eye examination
Eye examination
An eye examination is a battery of tests performed by an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or orthoptist assessing vision and ability to focus on and discern objects, as well as other tests and examinations pertaining to the eyes....
.