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Posterior Segment of the Eye : Retina, Macula, Fovea, Vitreous body, Optic nerve
The examination detects:
Retinal detachment
Vitreous hemorrhage
Age-related macular degeneration
Epiretinal membrane and macular hole
Posterior vitreous detachment
The posterior segment is the back two-thirds of the eye that includes the anterior hyaloid membrane and all structures behind it are the vitreous humor, retina, macula, fovea, choroid, and optic nerve. (Precision Family Eye Care, May 2021)
Macula is responsible for the central, high-resolution, colour vision that is possible in good lighting.
Retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, plays a vital role in vision by converting light into signals that are sent to the brain.
Fovea is responsible for sharp central vision (also known as foveal vision).
Vitreous humor is a transparent, colourless, gelatinous mass that fills the space in the eye in between the lens and the retina.
Optic nerve is composed of millions of nerve fibers that send visual messages to your brain to help you see.
During an eye exam, an ophthalmoscope is used to inspect the internal structures including the retina, optic disc, macula, and blood vessels of the choroid layer.
Usually eye drops will be used to dilate the pupil when doctors shine light into the eye. After putting eye drops and giving them time to work, which on rare occasions may burn a bit.
Direct examination: An ophthalmoscope is used to shine a beam of light through the pupil to see the back of the eye.
Slit-lamp examinations: Doctors will shine the beam of a slit lamp through a special lens into the eyes. The slit lamp shows a more detailed view of the back of the eye. (Associated Retina Consultants, 2025)
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