{"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":"2026-09-28T15:17:04","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T13:17:04","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 measure<\/strong>, 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 \u2013 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> \u2013 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 \u2013 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 \u2013 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 measure<\/strong>, 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

After the drops are administered, visual acuity is temporarily restricted<\/strong> \u2013 driving is therefore not permitted.<\/p>\n\n

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

For certain issues \u2013 such as suspected retinal detachment, vascular changes or tumors<\/strong> \u2013 a special contact lens<\/strong> is used. It is placed directly on the anesthetized eye and allows a three-dimensional and high-precision assessment of the retina<\/strong>, especially its outer areas<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

This examination is particularly helpful for severe nearsightedness<\/strong>, changes in the peripheral area of the retina<\/strong> or for the follow-up<\/strong> of known diseases. It is not painful<\/strong>, but somewhat more intensive than a simple retinoscopy. <\/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> \u2013 often without pupil dilation<\/strong>. This produces digital images<\/strong> that can be saved and, if necessary, compared with previous recordings. <\/p>\n\n

This non-invasive examination<\/strong> is ideally suited for prevention, documentation and follow-up<\/strong>. Especially for chronic retinal diseases<\/strong> such as AMD or diabetic retinopathy<\/strong>, it is a central component of modern diagnostics. <\/p>\n\n

Modern imaging techniques for retinal analysis <\/h2>\n\n

In addition to classic retinoscopy, numerous imaging techniques<\/strong> are available today that allow a detailed representation of the retinal structures<\/strong> \u2013 often contact-free and digital<\/strong>. They are particularly important for the early detection<\/strong>, follow-up<\/strong> and documentation<\/strong> of changes to the retina<\/strong>, especially in the area of the macula, the optic disc<\/strong> or the blood vessels<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

OCT – Optical Coherence Tomography at a glance <\/h3>\n\n

The OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)<\/strong> is a state-of-the-art, non-invasive procedure<\/strong> that uses light waves to generate cross-sectional images of the retina<\/strong>. This allows even the finest changes to the retina and macula<\/strong> to be detected \u2013 often at the earliest stage<\/strong> of a disease. <\/p>\n\n

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