General

Synonym/Acronym:
Funduscopy, ophthalmoscopy.

Rationale
To evaluate vascular and structural changes in the eye in assessing the progression of diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.

Patient Preparation
There are no food, fluid, or activity restrictions unless by medical direction. Instruct the patient to avoid eye medications (particularly miotic eyedrops, which may constrict the pupil, preventing a clear view of the fundus, and mydriatic eyedrops in order to avoid instigation of an acute open-angle attack in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma) for at least 1 day prior to the test.

Normal Findings

• Normal optic nerve and vessels.
• No evidence of other ocular abnormalities.

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions

• Detached retina

Flashers, floaters, or a veil that moves across the field of vision may indicate detached retina or retinal tear. This condition requires immediate examination by an ophthalmologist. Untreated, full retinal detachment can result in irreversible and complete loss of vision in the affected eye.

Timely notification to the requesting health-care provider (HCP) of any critical findings and related symptoms is a role expectation of the professional nurse. A listing of these findings varies among facilities.