When do we perform a fundus examination?

A fundus examination, also known as ophthalmoscopy, is one of the most common tests performed during ophthalmological check-ups. It is a quick, painless and non-invasive technique that allows the structures inside the eyeball to be assessed in detail: the optic nerve, macula, peripheral retina, vascular arcades and choroid.

This test is essential for the early detection of various eye and systemic diseases that can affect vision.

What is a fundus examination and what is it used for?

Ophthalmoscopy allows the ophthalmologist to directly visualise the inside of the eye, looking through the pupil using a device called an ophthalmoscope. This instrument uses a light source and a system of lenses to magnify the structures at the back of the eye.

This visualisation can reveal changes associated with chronic and degenerative eye diseases, as well as vascular changes related to systemic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.

In most cases, eye drops are required to dilate the pupil, which can cause blurred vision for a few hours. For this reason, it is advisable to attend the appointment accompanied.

Which diseases can be detected with this test?

A fundus examination is a key tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of conditions:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): progressive deterioration of the macula, the central area of the retina.
• Diabetic retinopathy: damage to the blood vessels of the retina caused by diabetes.
• High myopia: elongation of the eyeball that can damage the peripheral retina.
• Glaucoma: although the main diagnostic test is tonometry, ophthalmoscopy helps assess the optic nerve.
• Vascular occlusions: blockage of arteries or veins in the retina.

In addition, this test can reveal early signs of intraocular tumours, retinal detachments or inflammation (uveitis).

When should a fundus examination be performed?

At the Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre, we recommend this test in the following cases:

• Routine ophthalmological check-ups, especially from the age of 40 onwards.
• Patients with diabetes, hypertension or autoimmune diseases.
• People with high myopia, as they have a greater risk of retinal lesions.
• If visual symptoms occur, such as blurred vision, flashes of light, black spots or loss of visual field.
• Before eye surgery, such as cataract or refractive surgery.

Recommended frequency

• Healthy person with no risk factors: every 2 years.
• Patient with diabetes or hypertension: at least once a year.
• High myopia: according to medical advice, at least once a year.
• Patient with a family history of glaucoma or AMD: every 1 or 2 years.

How is the test performed?

1. Application of mydriatic eye drops to dilate the pupil.
2. Wait between 15 and 30 minutes until the pupil is adequately dilated.
3. The ophthalmologist uses a direct or indirect ophthalmoscope to examine the back of the eye.
4. In some cases, a fundus photograph or retinal photograph is taken for documentation.

Useful advice: after pupil dilation, avoid driving or using screens until your vision returns to normal.

A fundus examination is an essential test for preserving eye health, as it makes it possible to detect diseases early that, without treatment, could seriously compromise vision. At Barraquer, we are committed to personalised, proactive follow-up tailored to each patient.

Dra. Sònia Viver, ophthalmologist at the Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre