Which instrument is used to examine internal eye structures such as the retina?

Which instrument is used to examine internal eye structures such as the retina?

• A. Percussion hammer
• B. Ophthalmoscope
• C. Otoscope
• D. Eye occluder

Answer: (B)

Examining the retina requires an ophthalmoscope. This instrument shines light into the pupil and lets you view the back part of the eye—the fundus, which includes the retina, optic nerve, and retinal blood vessels. Direct ophthalmoscopes provide a magnified view of the retina, while indirect setups with lenses offer a wider field of view, helping detect issues like retinopathy or optic nerve problems. The other tools serve different purposes: a percussion hammer tests reflexes, not eye structures; an otoscope inspects the ear canal and eardrum; an eye occluder is used to cover an eye during vision testing, not to look inside the eye.

Examining the retina requires an ophthalmoscope. This instrument shines light into the pupil and lets you view the back part of the eye—the fundus, which includes the retina, optic nerve, and retinal blood vessels. Direct ophthalmoscopes provide a magnified view of the retina, while indirect setups with lenses offer a wider field of view, helping detect issues like retinopathy or optic nerve problems. The other tools serve different purposes: a percussion hammer tests reflexes, not eye structures; an otoscope inspects the ear canal and eardrum; an eye occluder is used to cover an eye during vision testing, not to look inside the eye.