Ophthalmoscope Settings

[wetoasis]

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I have trouble focusing on the retina using opthalmoscope. In my locality, great deal of patient have myopia, including myself, so my question is if the patient has x myopia, and I have y myopia, what dioptre setting should I use to have the retina focused.

 

[orbitsurgMD]

I have trouble focusing on the retina using opthalmoscope. In my locality, great deal of patient have myopia, including myself, so my question is if the patient has x myopia, and I have y myopia, what dioptre setting should I use to have the retina focused.

I assume you refer to a monocular direct ophthalmoscope rather than the more commonly used indirect ophthalmoscope used by ophthalmologists and many optometrists.

The most common instrument setting for posterior pole examination, including the disc, is to start is at zero. You then rotate the wheel toward the negative numbers to focus toward the retina, in most cases with myopia. A darkened room helps (and dilation really helps). How much adjustment is needed will depend on both your and your patient's refraction and whether either of you is wearing contact lenses to compensate. The more anterior structures require more positive powered lenses, with the anterior chamber structures being seen with a +10 D on the lens wheel, or thereabouts. You can also do a "dirty" but quick type of objective refraction using the direct ophthalmoscope.