Optic Disc Examination (Nerve Fiber Layer Assessment via Ophthalmoscopy)
This test involves a visual examination of your optic nerve at the back of your eye to assess nerve fiber layer health, often used to detect early nerve damage.
["Your eye doctor checks for signs of nerve damage that may relate to conditions like glaucoma or other optic neuropathies."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 71486-5
- Short code
- Opt disc ret nerv abnor Eye-L Ophthal
- Synonyms
- Opt disc ret nerv abnor Eye-L Ophthal
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ophthalmoscopy
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Involves
A healthcare provider will dilate your pupils using eye drops to improve visibility of the optic nerve. Using a specialized lighted instrument called an ophthalmoscope, they’ll examine the optic disc (the bright circular area where blood vessels enter the eye) and surrounding nerve fibers for abnormalities.
Why It’s Done
This test helps diagnose or monitor conditions affecting vision-related nerve function, such as glaucoma, optic neuritis, or other neurological disorders that may impact the optic nerve.
What to Expect Before the Test
You may experience temporary blurred vision or light sensitivity due to pupil dilation. Avoid driving or operating machinery afterward until your vision clears.
Common Conditions Monitored
This assessment is critical for detecting early nerve damage that might not cause immediate symptoms, such as in glaucoma or other optic neuropathies.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test provides a visual inspection of the optic nerve’s structure and health, serving as a non-invasive way to identify nerve fiber layer abnormalities that could indicate underlying neurological or ophthalmic conditions. Early detection is key for managing conditions like glaucoma, where nerve damage can progress silently.
Frequently asked questions
Will I need to prepare for this test?
How long does the test take?
Is this test painful?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy