{"id":31337,"date":"2025-05-08T17:15:57","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T15:15:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/retinal-examination-diagnostic-procedure-for-examining-the-retina\/"},"modified":"2025-08-07T23:02:51","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T21:02:51","slug":"retinal-examination-diagnostic-procedure-for-examining-the-retina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/retinal-examination-diagnostic-procedure-for-examining-the-retina\/","title":{"rendered":"Retinal examination: diagnostic procedure for examining the retina"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether as a preventive<\/strong> measure, for unclear visual disorders<\/strong> or to clarify a known eye disease<\/strong>. The retina<\/strong> is the central sensory organ in the eye through which light is converted into images. Changes to the retina<\/strong> are often gradual – but can lead to permanent visual impairment<\/strong> if left untreated. <\/p>\n\n

Modern methods such as OCT, fundus camera or Optomap<\/strong> now allow precise and contact-free analysis<\/strong> down to the finest structures. In this blog, you will find out when a retinal examination makes sense<\/strong>, how it is carried out<\/strong>, what methods are available<\/strong> – and what role it also plays in preparing for laser eye treatment<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

What is a retinal examination – and why is it so important? <\/h2>\n\n

The retinal examination<\/strong> is one of the most important diagnostic procedures in ophthalmology<\/strong>. It makes it possible to detect changes to the retina<\/strong> at an early stage – often before symptoms<\/strong> appear. The retina<\/strong> is the part of the eye that processes incoming light and is crucial for vision<\/strong>. Diseases such as macular degeneration<\/strong>, diabetic retinal damage<\/strong> or vascular changes<\/strong> can begin there – and progress unnoticed. <\/p>\n\n

What happens during a retinal examination by an ophthalmologist?<\/h2>\n\n

The exact procedure and the choice of examination method<\/strong> depend on whether it is a preventive<\/strong> measure, a follow-up check<\/strong> or the specific diagnosis of a retinal disease<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

Retinoscopy with eye drops – the classic method <\/h3>\n\n

In classic retinoscopy (ophthalmoscopy)<\/strong>, the pupil is dilated using eye drops<\/strong> so that the ophthalmologist can assess the entire back of the eye<\/strong> using a magnifying glass and light source<\/strong>. This allows the optic disc, macula, vessels and peripheral areas of the retina<\/strong> to be inspected in detail. <\/p>\n\n

This method is proven, safe and frequently used for routine examinations<\/strong> and for the early detection of retinal diseases<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

Visual acuity is temporarily impaired<\/strong> after administration of the drops – driving is therefore not permitted.<\/p>\n\n

Retinal examination with contact glass – precise insights <\/h3>\n\n

A special contact lens<\/strong> is used for certain issues – such as suspected retinal detachment, vascular changes or tumors<\/strong>. It is placed directly on the anaesthetized eye and allows a three-dimensional and highly precise assessment of the retina<\/strong>, especially its outer areas<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

This examination is particularly helpful in cases of severe short-sightedness<\/strong>, changes in the peripheral area of the retina or<\/strong>to check the progression<\/strong> of known diseases. It is not painful<\/strong>, but is somewhat more intensive than a simple endoscopy. <\/p>\n\n

Digital retinal examination with fundus camera or Optomap<\/h3>\n\n

Modern devices such as the fundus camera<\/strong> or the Optomap system<\/strong> enable contact-free, high-resolution imaging of the retina<\/strong> – often without dilating the pupil<\/strong>. This produces digital images<\/strong> that can be saved and compared with previous images if required. <\/p>\n\n

This non-invasive examination<\/strong> is ideal for screening, documentation and follow-up.<\/strong> It is a central component of modern diagnostics, particularly for chronic retinal diseases<\/strong> such as AMD or diabetic retinopathy<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

Modern imaging techniques for analyzing the retina <\/h2>\n\n

In addition to classic retinoscopy, there are numerous imaging procedures<\/strong> available today that enable a detailed representation of the retinal structures<\/strong> – often non-contact and digital<\/strong>. They are particularly important for the early detection<\/strong>, follow-up<\/strong> and documentation of<\/strong> changes in the retina<\/strong>, especially in the macula, optic disc<\/strong> or blood vessels<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

OCT – Optical coherence tomography at a glance <\/h3>\n\n

OCT (optical coherence tomography)<\/strong> is a state-of-the-art, non-invasive procedure<\/strong> that uses light waves to produce cross-sectional images of the retina<\/strong>. This allows even the most subtle changes in the retina and macula<\/strong> to be detected – often at the earliest stage<\/strong> of a disease. <\/p>\n\n

It is standard in the diagnosis of:<\/p>\n\n

    \n
  • AMD (age-related macular degeneration)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Macular edema<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Glaucoma<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • diabetic retinal changes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

    The examination is quick, painless and possible without pupil dilation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

    Fluorescence angiography for vascular imaging in the retina <\/h3>\n\n

    In fluorescein angiography<\/strong>, a dye is injected into the arm vein<\/strong>, which is distributed<\/strong> through the blood vessels of the retina<\/strong>. Special cameras then record how the dye is distributed<\/strong>in the fine retinal vessels<\/strong>. In this way, vascular constrictions, leaks or occlusions<\/strong> can be precisely detected. <\/p>\n\n

    It is particularly helpful for:<\/p>\n\n

      \n
    • diabetic retinopathy<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Vascular diseases<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Macular changes with fluid accumulation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

      The method is tried and tested, but somewhat more complex and is used specifically for suspected vascular changes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

      Laser-based diagnostic procedures – precise and contactless <\/h3>\n\n

      Modern laser-based procedures<\/strong>, such as the scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO)<\/strong>, enable non-contact and high-resolution imaging of the retina<\/strong>, often even in suboptimal lighting conditions or without dilating the pupil. By using special laser light wavelengths<\/strong>, even deeper structures<\/strong> can be visualized. <\/p>\n\n

      This technique is primarily used in specialized eye clinics or for the early diagnosis of retinal changes<\/strong> and offers maximum precision with minimal stress for the patient.<\/p>\n\n

      What role do examinations of the retina play in laser eye surgery? <\/h2>\n\n

      If laser eye treatment<\/strong> is planned – for example to correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism<\/strong> – an examination of the retina<\/strong> is an essential part of the preliminary examination<\/strong>. This is because even if laser treatment is performed on the cornea<\/strong>, it must first be ensured that the retina<\/strong> is free of pathological changes<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

      Why this is so important:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

        \n
      • Severe short-sightedness<\/strong> increases the risk of retinal changes or detachment<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Fine cracks, holes or degenerative zones<\/strong> must be identified before the procedure and, if necessary, stabilized in advance with the laser<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Retinal diseases<\/strong> such as maculopathies or vascular changes<\/strong> can have an influence on the expected visual acuity after laser treatment<\/strong> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

        Depending on the individual findings, the ophthalmologist will therefore carry out one or more retinal examinations<\/strong> (e.g. OCT, fundus camera or contact lens examination<\/strong>) in order to be able to make an informed decision on suitability for laser eye surgery<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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