Spontaneous Venous Pulsations

Technique

  1. Gently lift the eyelid until the pupil is in view.
  2. Using a handheld ophthalmoscope, the provider should maneuver himself or herself to a position where the optic disc can be visualized.
  3. Identify the retinal veins as they emerge from the optic disc. Retinal veins are typically slightly larger and darker than retinal arteries. Figure at right demonstrates the typical appearance of the retina.
  4. Observe the retinal veins for pulsations. Note the presence or absence of spontaneous venous pulsations
  5. Repeat the step 1–4 sequence in the contralateral eye.