Which examination method assesses the inner surface of the eye, including the retina?

Which examination method assesses the inner surface of the eye, including the retina?

• A. Ophthalmoscopy (funduscopy)
• B. Cover test
• C. Snellen chart
• D. Visual field testing

Answer: (A)

Ophthalmoscopy (funduscopy) is the examination method used to inspect the inner surface of the eye, including the retina. An ophthalmoscope shines light into the eye to visualize the fundus—the retina, optic disc, and retinal vessels—allowing assessment of the health of these structures. There are direct ophthalmoscopy methods that give a magnified view of the retina through the pupil, and indirect methods that provide a wider field of view and are helpful for examining the peripheral retina. The other options serve different purposes: the cover test checks how well the eyes align, the Snellen chart measures distance visual acuity, and visual field testing maps peripheral vision; none routinely visualize the retina in detail like ophthalmoscopy does.

Ophthalmoscopy (funduscopy) is the examination method used to inspect the inner surface of the eye, including the retina. An ophthalmoscope shines light into the eye to visualize the fundus—the retina, optic disc, and retinal vessels—allowing assessment of the health of these structures. There are direct ophthalmoscopy methods that give a magnified view of the retina through the pupil, and indirect methods that provide a wider field of view and are helpful for examining the peripheral retina. The other options serve different purposes: the cover test checks how well the eyes align, the Snellen chart measures distance visual acuity, and visual field testing maps peripheral vision; none routinely visualize the retina in detail like ophthalmoscopy does.