The word "ophthalmoscope" is spelled with a combination of Greek roots and Latinized scientific terminology. The prefix "ophthalmo-" comes from the Greek word "ophthalmos," meaning "eye," while the suffix "-scope" comes from the Greek "skopein," meaning "to look at." The "th" sound in "ophthalmo-" is pronounced with the voiceless dental fricative "θ" in IPA, while the "ph" in "scope" is pronounced with the voiceless bilabial fricative "f." The word is typically pronounced with four syllables: "ahf-thal-muh-skohp."
An ophthalmoscope is a medical device primarily used by eye care professionals, such as ophthalmologists and optometrists, for examining the internal structures of the eye. It consists of a light source, usually an electric bulb or an LED, attached to a handheld instrument equipped with a series of lenses, mirrors, and apertures.
When examining the eye, the ophthalmoscope allows the clinician to view the different parts of the eyeball, such as the retina, blood vessels, optic disc, and the interior chamber structures. It enables visualization of the eye's fundus, providing a detailed view of the back portion of the eye. By adjusting the focus and aperture settings, the ophthalmoscope allows the eye care professional to observe any irregularities or pathologies that may be indicative of eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or retinal detachment.
The ophthalmoscope is a valuable tool used in routine eye examinations to assess the health of the eye and identify potential eye disorders. It aids in diagnosing and monitoring various eye conditions, as well as tracking the progress of treatment. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in assessing systemic diseases, as the appearance of the fundus can provide insight into a person's overall health.
Overall, the ophthalmoscope is an indispensable tool for eye care professionals, enabling them to perform comprehensive eye evaluations and ensure optimal eye health.
An instrument consisting of a concave mirror with a small hole in the center; the mirror serving to illuminate, by the reflection of which the examiner observes through the central hole.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
An instr. for examining the interior of the living eye.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word ophthalmoscope is derived from two ancient Greek words. The first part, ophthalmo-, comes from the Greek word ophthalmos, which means eye. The second part, -scope, comes from the Greek word skopein, which means to look or to examine. Therefore, ophthalmoscope can be loosely translated to instrument to examine the eye.