Dilated fundus examination

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]

  1. ^ "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. ^ "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.