Fundoscopy, or ophthalmoscopy, is an eye exam that allows doctors to view the retina. They may recommend the test before and after cataract surgery.

As cataracts are at the front of the eye, they can make it difficult for doctors to properly examine the eye. However, fundoscopy provides them with a clearer view of the retina and other parts of the eye.

Read on to learn about the benefits of fundoscopy for people with cataracts, what fundoscopy involves, when doctors recommend it, and more.

A cataract, which sits in front of the retina, can make it difficult to examine the eye. As the cataract worsens, seeing the retina can become more challenging.

However, a fundoscopy examination allows eye doctors to see through cataracts in most cases. This is important for providing a more accurate overview of the health of the eye, particularly before and after cataract surgery.

Fundoscopy involves using an ophthalmoscope to examine the fundus of the eye, which is the back of the inside of the eye. This includes the retina and optic nerve.

The ophthalmoscope includes a magnifying lens and light to allow the eye doctor a better view of the fundus.

The doctor may also dilate the pupils with eye drops for a clearer view of the back of the eye.

Doctors may recommend a fundoscopy before cataract surgery. This is important for providing a clearer picture of your eye health, as some eye conditions make cataract surgery unsuitable.

Some conditions, such as epiretinal membrane (ERM) and cystoid macular edema (CME), may worsen after cataract surgery. These conditions may be harder to detect during routine preoperative exams, but fundoscopy may make it easier to spot and diagnose the conditions before the surgery.

Fundoscopy may also be necessary after cataract surgery. For example, it’s common to receive a dilated fundoscopy 1 week after cataract extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

Your eye doctor can tell you whether they recommend fundoscopy or other tests before and after cataract surgery.

Fundoscopy can help detect a range of eye conditions. Examples include:

  • macular degeneration
  • glaucoma
  • optic nerve problems
  • injury to the eye
  • eye cancer

If cataracts are too dense to provide a clear view of the fundus, a B-scan may help. B-scans use an ultrasound to look at the inside structures of the eye.

Your doctor may recommend other tests before cataract surgery. They can provide more information about what the tests involve.

Fundoscopy is generally safe. However, eye drops to dilate the pupils may cause side effects, such as:

  • blurry vision
  • sensitivity to light
  • allergic reaction, which can cause symptoms such as eye redness and swelling of the eyelids

Blurry vision usually lasts from around 4 to 24 hours. If vision does not restore after this time, it’s important to contact your healthcare professional for advice.

Doctors may recommend fundoscopy, or ophthalmoscopy, before and after cataract surgery. Fundoscopy can help provide a clearer view of the fundus, which is the back of the inside of the eye.

The fundus contains the retina. As cataracts develop in front of the retina, fundoscopy can be useful in assessing the overall health of the eye in most cases of cataracts. However, if the cataract is too dense, other tests may be necessary.

Your doctor can provide more information about the benefits of fundoscopy, what the exam involves, and any other tests they recommend.