Fundus photography is performed with a retina, or fundus camera.

What is fundus photography?

This highly specialized 35mm or digital camera has special, high-powered lenses designed to focus on the structures of the back of the eye.  It is basically an eye “microscope” with a camera mounted on it. Fundus photography is used to document and sometimes diagnose certain eye conditions.

The word “fundus” describes the inside or back of the eyeball. A typical fundus photo would contain an image of the center of the very back inner wall of the eye — the retina. The optic nerve, macula and main retinal blood vessels are common structures seen in a typical fundus photo.

Also see “Interactive Human Eye” animation

Fundus photography is very useful to document the natural state of the back of the eye in order to give the retinal specialist a future reference to compare with during follow-up visits. It is important to document the findings of most retinal diseases and conditions, especially diabetic eye disease findings, macular degeneration, epi-retinal membranes, macular holes and retinal tears and detachment.

How is a fundus photo taken?

The patient’s pupil must be well dilated in order to perform fundus photography. Dilating the pupils will cause blurry vision, especially reading vision, for several hours, if not, days – depending on the type and strength of dilating drop used.

Are there any other types of fundus photography?

A diagnostic study called fluorescein angiography (FA) uses fundus photography to capture images of injected dye circulating throughout the retinal blood vessels. This is a very helpful study that can show leaking, swelling or circulation problems caused by various eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy and wet macular degeneration.

At The Macula Center, a retina specialist practice in Clearwater, Florida, Dr. Dana Deupree uses the latest, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, like fundus cameras, to help him diagnose and make treatment decisions for his patients.

Dr. Deupree is accepting new patient evaluation appointments. Call 727-789-8770 to schedule your appointment.