Services at Maryland General

A complete list of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services at MGH.

Ophthalmoscopy - Risks

Alternative Names

Funduscopy

What the risks are:

The test itself involves no risk. The dilating eye drops may rarely cause:

An attack of narrow-angle glaucoma
Dizziness
Dryness of the mouth
Flushing
Nausea
Vomiting

If glaucoma is suspected, drops usually are not used.

Special considerations:

Ophthalmoscopy is considered to be 90-95% accurate. It can detect the early stages and effects of many serious diseases.

Eye

Lateral eye anatomy

Reviewed last on: 2/10/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Unviersity of Washington School of Medicine; and Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Colenbrander A. Principles of Ophthalmology. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane's Ophthalmology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:chap 63.

Volk D. Aspheric Lenses. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane's Ophthalmology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:chap 50.

Miller D, Thall EH, Atebara NH. Ophthalmic instrumentation. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 2.10.

American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Patterns Committee, Preferred Practice Pattern Guidelines. Comprehensive Adult Medical Eye Evaluation. San Francisco, CA: American Academy of Ophthalmology. 2010. Accessed January 17, 2011.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Physician Directory
seperater

Physician Specialties
seperater

Medical Glossary
seperater

Guide for Patients
seperater

Guide for Visitors
seperater

· · · · · · ·

© 2008 Maryland General Hospital, All Rights Reserved · 827 Linden Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201 · 410-225-8000
Commitment to Compliance · Privacy Policy · Terms and Conditions of Use · Disclaimer · JCAHO Public Notice

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)