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Fundus Photography
Don’t
be surprised if someday, your eye doctor orders photographs of the back of
your eye. These pictures are necessary to document the health of the optic nerve, vitreous, macula, retina and its blood vessels. The photographs are used for comparison, documentation, and sometimes to diagnose certain eye conditions.
Because
fundus photography is a highly specialized form of medical imaging, it can’t
be done with an ordinary camera. It requires a customized camera that is
mounted to a microscope with intricate lenses and mirrors. These
high-powered lenses are designed so the photographer can visualize the back of
the eye by focusing light through the cornea, pupil and lens.
Before
beginning, the pupil is dilated with drops. Otherwise, it would
automatically constrict from the bright light of the camera flash. The
patient is asked to stare at a fixation device so the eyes are still.
While the photographer is taking the pictures, the patient will see a series
of bright flashes. The entire process usually takes approximately five
to ten minutes.
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