Fundoscopy (eye examination)

What it is

Fundoscopy (or ophthalmoscopy) is an examination of the back of the eye (the fundus), including the optic nerve heads, using a lighted instrument. It can reveal papilledema — swelling of the optic nerve heads from raised intracranial pressure.

Understanding Fundoscopy (eye examination)

Because raised intracranial pressure is transmitted to the optic nerves, examining the back of the eye can show papilledema, providing objective evidence of raised pressure. Fundoscopy is a noninvasive examination that can be done in the office and is part of evaluating people with possible raised intracranial pressure, including from hydrocephalus. Detecting papilledema can support the diagnosis and indicate a need for treatment, since persistent raised pressure that causes papilledema can threaten vision. In some cases, more detailed eye assessment by an ophthalmologist is used to evaluate and monitor the optic nerves.

Why it matters

Understanding fundoscopy helps families see why an eye examination is part of evaluating hydrocephalus — it can reveal papilledema as objective evidence of raised pressure — and why protecting vision is a reason to treat persistent raised pressure.