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CASE REPORT |
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Year : 1996 | Volume
: 44
| Issue : 4 | Page : 233-234 |
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A new model eye system for practicing indirect ophthalmoscopy
KS Kumar, K Bhujang Shetty
Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore, India
Correspondence Address: K S Kumar Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore India
Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None | Check |
PMID: 9251270
How to cite this article: Kumar K S, Shetty K B. A new model eye system for practicing indirect ophthalmoscopy. Indian J Ophthalmol 1996;44:233-4 |
Indirect ophthalmoscopy is a very important diagnostic tool in the armamentarium of the ophthalmologists. Yet, proficiency in this method of examination requires painstaking practice.
Disconcerting features during the learning phase include [a] the inverted image which seems to appear and disappear, [b] difficulty in lens control, and [c] strong light which patients do not tolerate. Many a time one gives it up prematurely.
Model eyes to facilitate learning the initial steps of indirect ophthalmoscopy are available. These are made of glass, metal or egg shell and suffer from certain drawbacks.[1][2][3] There is no support available for resting the fingers & being solid, 'scleral depression' cannot be done.
Materials and methods | | |
The new model eye system that we have devised is intended to simulate natural conditions and at the same time it is inexpensive. The "eye" is composed of a rubber ball of moderate thickness. The latter could be suitably pruned using sand papers so as to provide a degree of hardness simulating the normal eye. This is cut into 2 halves to facilitate drawing of retinal details on painted orange background [Figure - 1]. The two halves are stuck back again with rubber bonding solution. Next, a circular opening with a diameter of 11 mm is made at the top and this is fitted with a +20 D contact lens to reduce magnification [Figure - 2]. A paperpulp model of the human face is made and the rubber eye ball is inserted into the "orbital" socket [Figure - 3]. A similar ball is placed in the contralateral socket.
Indirect Ophthalmoscopy is then begun on this.
We believe this model eye has several advantages. Finger support for greater lens stability is afforded as also natural obstructions from the "nose" is a factor to be reckoned with. Being made of thin rubber, peripheral depression is also possible [Figure - 4] and the force required is not any greater than that required in human eyes.
This model eye should greatly facilitate initiation into indirect ophthalmoscopy. The total cost of the device is approximately Rs. 200. To our knowledge such a low cost model has not been in use.
References | | |
1. | Ing EB, Ing TG. A method of teaching indirect Ophthalmoscopy to begining residents. Can J Opthalmol. 27:166-167, 1993. |
2. | Gupta SC. Model Eye for practice indirect Ophthalmoscopy Ind J Ophthalmol. 31:168-169, 1983. |
3. | Dodaro NR, Maxwell DP Jr. An eye for an eye. A simplified model for teaching. Arch ophthalmol. 113:824-826, 1995. |
[Figure - 1], [Figure - 2], [Figure - 3], [Figure - 4]
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