Which instrument is used during a routine eye exam to determine the health of the retina?

• A. Slit lamp to examine the front structures of the eye
• B. Ophthalmoscope to examine the retina and internal structures
• C. Tonometer to measure intraocular pressure
• D. Eye spud to remove foreign particle

Answer: (B)

To assess retinal health, you need to examine the back of the eye where the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels reside. The ophthalmoscope is specifically designed to illuminate and magnify the interior of the eye, allowing clinicians to view the retina and related structures for signs of disease. Direct ophthalmoscopy provides a magnified view through the pupil, and indirect ophthalmoscopy uses a separate lens for a wider field of view, often after dilating the pupil. In contrast, a slit lamp checks the front parts of the eye, a tonometer measures intraocular pressure, and an eye spud isn’t used to inspect the retina. So, the instrument used to determine retinal health is the ophthalmoscope.