Dilated fundus examination
Dilated pupil of an eye, measuring 9 mm in diameter
SynonymsDilated-pupil fundus examination
PurposeObtain a better view of the fundus of eye.

Dilated fundus examination (DFE) is a diagnostic procedure that uses mydriatic eye drops to dilate or enlarge the pupil in order to obtain a better view of the fundus of the eye.[1] Once the pupil is dilated, examiners use ophthalmoscopy to view the eye's interior, which makes it easier to assess the retina, optic nerve head, blood vessels, and other important features. DFE has been found to be a more effective method for evaluating eye health when compared to non-dilated examination,[2][3] and is the best method of evaluating structures behind the iris.[4] It is frequently performed by ophthalmologists and optometrists as part of an eye examination.[5]

Examination

The most common agents used to dilate the pupil are phenylephrine (2.5% in pediatrics or 10% in adults) and tropicamide (0.5% or 1%). While phenylephrine stimulates receptors that contract the dilator muscle of the pupil,[6] tropicamide blocks stimulation of the pupillary sphincter muscle to allow for relaxation.[7] As the insertion of these drops may cause some stinging or burning, some practitioners choose to first insert a drop of topical anesthetic to numb the eye.[8] Pupil dilation typically begins within 15 minutes and may last for 3–8 hours.[6][7]

After the pupil has been dilated, an ophthalmoscope can be used to examine the fundus. This allows for 15x magnification of the optic disc, also known as the optic nerve head, and retina to better evaluate for any ophthalmic pathology.[9] Evaluation of the optic disc may include noting the color of the disc, the sharpness of the disc outline and if any swelling is present, and signs of an enlarged or bulging optic cup, the central depression in the optic disc. Evaluation of the retina includes examining the arteries and veins for narrowing or arteriovenous nicking, as well as detecting any lesions, exudates, retinal hemorrhages, microaneurysms, or neovascularization.[9]

Following a dilated fundus examination, patients may experience blurred vision and light sensitivity until the effects of the mydriatic eye drops wear off; for this reason, the use of sunglasses is recommended to prevent damage to the eyes while dilated.[1]

Common conditions diagnosed during examination

Screening guidelines

Adults

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends comprehensive eye examinations, including dilated fundus examination, for asymptomatic patients without risk factors for eye disease at varying frequencies based on age: every 5–10 years in adults under 40 years, every 2–4 years in adults aged 40 to 54 years, every 1–3 years in adults aged 55 to 64 years, and every 1 to 2 years in adults aged 65 years and older.[4] However, routine DFE is relatively low yield for asymptomatic patients.[14]

In contrast, individuals with diabetes mellitus are at risk of diabetic retinopathy and therefore require more frequent screening. Those with type 1 diabetes should have their first comprehensive eye examination 5 years after diagnosis, followed by yearly exams. Those with type 2 diabetes should have their first comprehensive eye examination at the time of diagnosis, followed by yearly exams. Women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who are planning a pregnancy should have a comprehensive eye examination prior to conception as well as early in the first trimester; women with gestational diabetes do not require screening for diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy.[4]

For individuals at risk of developing glaucoma, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends screening every 2–5 years in adults under 40 years, every 1–3 years in adults aged 40 to 54 years, every 1–2 years in adults aged 55 to 64 years, and every 1 to 2 years in adults aged 65 years and older. Screenings may be recommended even more frequently for individuals of African or Hispanic/Latino descent, as these ethnic groups have a further increased risk of developing glaucoma.[4]

Pediatrics

A child's first vision screening is typically done shortly after birth during the newborn exam, during which a pediatrician will perform simple vision testing such as assessing pupillary response and a red reflex.[15] However, if an infant is premature (gestational age under 32 weeks) or has a low birth weight (less than 1500 g) a dilated fundus examination is indicated due to risk of retinopathy of prematurity.[16]

A child will continue to be screened for vision issues, as well as normal eye alignment and movement, at regular intervals during their well child exams; if they fail a vision test or findings are inconclusive, the child can be referred for a more comprehensive eye examination including dilation.[15] A dilated fundus examination will allow for an ophthalmologist to calculate the refractive error more accurately than a non-dilated exam, as children tend to accommodate well; this allows for a more accurate prescription.[17]

Finally, children with certain medical conditions that place them at a higher risk for eye pathology (Down syndrome, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, neurofibromatosis) require comprehensive eye examinations with dilation. Similarly, children with a family history of amblyopia, strabismus, retinoblastoma, congenital cataracts or glaucoma may also require more frequent or comprehensive examinations.[15]

Contraindications

A dilated fundus examination is typically contraindicated in situations where mydriatic eye drops are contraindicated.

Absolute contraindications include:[8]

Relative contraindications include:[8][9]

References

  1. ^ a b "Get a Dilated Eye Exam". National Institute of Health: National Eye Institute. May 2021.
  2. ^ Siegel, B. S.; Thompson, A. K.; Yolton, D. P.; Reinke, A. R.; Yolton, R. L. (January 1990). "A comparison of diagnostic outcomes with and without pupillary dilatation". Journal of the American Optometric Association. 61 (1): 25–34. ISSN 0003-0244. PMID 2319090.
  3. ^ Parisi, M. L.; Scheiman, M.; Coulter, R. S. (May 1996). "Comparison of the effectiveness of a nondilated versus dilated fundus examination in the pediatric population". Journal of the American Optometric Association. 67 (5): 266–272. ISSN 0003-0244. PMID 8888844.
  4. ^ a b c d "Comprehensive Adult Medical Eye Evaluation PPP 2020". American Academy of Ophthalmology. 2020-11-13. Retrieved 2023-11-02.
  5. ^ "Eye Health: Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist" (PDF). American Diabetes Association. March 2022.
  6. ^ a b "Highlights of Prescribing Information" (PDF). FDA. January 2015.
  7. ^ a b "Label: Mydriacyl- tropicamide solution/drops". DailyMed - NIH National Library of Medicine. February 2023.
  8. ^ a b c d e Orient, Jane (2018). "10: The Eye". Sapira's Art & Science of Bedside Diagnosis (5 ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. ISBN 9781975106089.
  9. ^ a b c d Bickley, Lynn; Szilagyi, Peter; Hoffman, Richard; Soriano, Rainier; Bates, Barbara (2023). "Chapter 12: Eyes". Bates' Guide To Physical Examination and History Taking (13 ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. ISBN 9781975210878.
  10. ^ Pande, Gauri S; Tidake, Pravin (October 2022). "Laser Treatment Modalities for Diabetic Retinopathy". Cureus. 14 (10): e30024. doi:10.7759/cureus.30024. ISSN 2168-8184. PMC 9637280. PMID 36348830.
  11. ^ Tan, Colin S.; Lim, Louis W.; Ting, Dominic S. (January 2019). "The role of dilated fundus examination following cataract surgery". Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 45 (1): 113. doi:10.1016/j.jcrs.2018.09.031. ISSN 0886-3350.
  12. ^ "Cataracts | National Eye Institute". National Institute of Health: National Eye Institute. August 2023.
  13. ^ Thomas, Catherine J.; Mirza, Rukhsana G.; Gill, Manjot K. (2021-05-01). "Age-Related Macular Degeneration". Medical Clinics of North America. Ophthalmology. 105 (3): 473–491. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2021.01.003. ISSN 0025-7125.
  14. ^ Varner, Paul (2014). "How frequently should asymptomatic patients be dilated?". Journal of Optometry. 7 (1): 57–61. doi:10.1016/j.optom.2013.03.001. PMC 3938739. PMID 24646902.
  15. ^ a b c Gudgel, Dan (March 2021). "Eye Screening for Children". American Academy of Ophthalmology.
  16. ^ Promelle, V.; Milazzo, S. (2017-05-01). "Rétinopathie du prématuré". Journal Français d'Ophtalmologie. 40 (5): 430–437. doi:10.1016/j.jfo.2016.12.013. ISSN 0181-5512.
  17. ^ Saxena, Rohit; Sharma, Pradeep; Gopal, Santhan; Pediatric Ophthalmology Expert Group (February 2020). "National consensus statement regarding pediatric eye examination, refraction, and amblyopia management". Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 68 (2): 325–332. doi:10.4103/ijo.IJO_471_19. ISSN 0301-4738. PMC 7003594. PMID 31957721.
  18. ^ Liew, Gerald; Mitchell, Paul; Wang, Jie Jin; Wong, Tien Yin (2006-01-07). "Fundoscopy: to dilate or not to dilate?". BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.). 332 (7532): 3. doi:10.1136/bmj.332.7532.3. ISSN 1756-1833. PMC 1325111. PMID 16399709.
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