Many people, when undergoing a physical exam, see 1.5 on the visual acuity chart and think their eyes are completely fine. But good visual acuity does not necessarily mean a healthy fundus!

1. What is the fundus? What can be seen in a single photograph?

The fundus is the inner wall at the posterior part of the eyeball; it is like the film and internal circuitry of a precision camera, containing key components such as the retina, optic nerve, macula, and blood vessels.

Fundus photography can directly observe:

️ Fundus blood vessels: these are the only living blood vessels in the body that can be directly seen; their sclerosis and bleeding can reflect traces of hypertension and diabetes.

Optic nerve: the optic nerve connects directly to the brain, and its morphological changes are an important basis for blinding eye diseases such as glaucoma.

⭐ Macula: the core area that determines our central vision; any degeneration, edema, or hemorrhage is immediately evident.

Retina: whether there are risks of tears, detachment, or other damage.

The entire procedure is painless, noninvasive, and fast—like a camera flash—but can detect many asymptomatic "latent" eye diseases that have not yet affected vision.

2. Which people should be the primary focus for fundus disease screening?

If you belong to any of the following groups, make regular fundus examinations a priority!

1. People with diabetes

Chronic hyperglycemia damages retinal blood vessels, like pipes corroded by rust, causing leakage and blockage, leading to retinal ischemia and neovascularization, ultimately resulting in hemorrhage and retinal detachment. The longer the disease duration, the higher the risk.

After a diagnosis of diabetes, have a fundus exam at least once a year. If lesions are already present, follow medical advice to shorten the examination interval.

2. High myopia (≥ -6.00 D)

In high myopia the eyeball is elongated, and the retina correspondingly becomes thinner and more fragile, like a sweater that has been overstretched; it is more prone to retinal tears and detachment.

A standardized fundus examination once a year is recommended, especially a dilated peripheral retinal examination, which is crucial.

3. After middle age

The macula is the area of highest visual acuity; with age it can undergo wear and degeneration like a mechanical part, leading to decreased central vision and metamorphopsia.

It is recommended that after age 50, it should be included in routine eye examinations.

4. Long-term medication users

Some medications can induce fundus problems, such as central serous chorioretinopathy.

Patients who need long-term use of these medications should have regular fundus monitoring before and during treatment.

5. Family history

Conditions such as glaucoma and certain forms of macular degeneration have a clear hereditary tendency.

If first-degree relatives have a history of related eye disease, it is recommended to begin fundus screening earlier and undergo it regularly.

3. Simple self-test of fundus health

You can alternately cover one eye and look monocularly at:

Are door frames and window frames straight? Do they appear bent?

Is there a persistent dark spot or blurred area in the central visual field?

Have you suddenly noticed an increase in floaters or flashes of light in your vision?

If any of the above abnormalities occur, please seek medical attention promptly!