Welch Allyn 118 Series PanOptic Ophthalmoscope - User Manual - Manual (Page 8)

4
The PanOptic
™ Ophthalmoscope
Transparency of the cornea, lens and vitreous humor permits the
practitioner to directly view arteries, veins, and the optic nerve of the
retina.
Direct observation of the structures of the fundus through a PanOptic
Ophthalmoscope may show disease of the eye itself or may reveal
abnormalities indicative of disease elsewhere in the body. Among the
most important of these are vascular changes due to diabetes or
hypertension and swelling of the optic nerve head due to papilledema
or optic neuritis. In this sense, the eye serves as a window through
which many valuable clinical evaluations may be made.
When a preliminary diagnosis of an imminently dangerous eye
condition, such as acute (angle-closure) glaucoma or retinal
detachment, is made by the examiner, prompt referral to an eye
specialist may prevent irreversible damage. Or, when distressing but
less urgent conditions, such as visual impairment due to cataract or
vitreous floaters, are recognized, the patient can be reassured and
referred.
A
B
C
D
E
F
A Patient Eyecup D Aperture/Filter Dial
B Patient’s Side E Focusing Wheel
C Soft Grip Handle F Practitioner’s Side Brow Rest