Funduscopy allows doctors to observe structures at the back of the eyeball, including: the retina, optic nerve, and retinal vascular system. Dr. Bui Viet Hung, Specialist Doctor II, Head of the Vitreoretinal Department at the High-Tech Eye Center, Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, states that this is an important technique in eye examinations, helping to detect many abnormalities and diseases that can affect vision.

In the retina, doctors can detect lesions such as: hemorrhage, edema, necrotic spots, or tumors. For the optic nerve, doctors can assess the size, color, and margins of the optic disc, thereby detecting conditions such as: optic neuritis and glaucoma.

This technique also allows observation of changes in the diameter, branching, and characteristics of blood vessels, thereby aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as: diabetes and hypertension. Funduscopy can also evaluate the macula, leading to the detection of diseases such as: macular degeneration.

Dr. Hung performs funduscopy on a patient. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*.

Doctors may prescribe funduscopy for individuals with abnormal eye symptoms such as: decreased vision, blurred vision, eye pain, or the appearance of black spots. People with systemic diseases that pose a risk to eye health, such as: diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia, also need funduscopy to monitor disease progression and detect early eye complications.

This technique is also indicated for individuals with a family history of eye-related conditions, patients with eye trauma, those requiring monitoring for eye diseases, or for routine screening to detect early eye conditions.

According to Dr. Hung, funduscopy is safe and painless for patients. Before the procedure, doctors may administer pupil-dilating drops to better observe the internal structures of the eye. The examination usually takes only 5 to 10 minutes. However, the actual duration depends on factors such as eye condition, patient cooperation, and the purpose of the examination.

However, funduscopy can be challenging for uncooperative patients, those unable to keep their eyes still, or individuals with certain specific conditions. In such cases, doctors evaluate and select an appropriate examination method.

By Thu Giang