Comparison of patient satisfaction with red-free (green) versus yellow light using binocular indirect ophthalmoscope for retinal examination

PURPOSE: Comparison of patient satisfaction with red-free (green) versus yellow light using binocular indirect ophthalmoscope for retinal examination. METHODS: This is an observational questionnaire-based study of 100 myopes in the age group of 18–40 years coming for a routine check-up or for refractive surgery workup. The examination was done using an indirect ophthalmoscope and a 20D lens with green or yellow light and was assigned in two groups randomly using the coin toss method, following which, a questionnaire was used to assess the following parameters: a) level of comfort, b) any complaints of discomfort during examination, d) preference of the used light source in future, e) grading of discomfort on a linear scale, and f) patient cooperation and duration of examination. RESULTS: Patients were randomized for observation with IDO using either green light (n = 55) or yellow light (n = 45) filter. In the study, 46 patients (83.6%) were very comfortable and only 9 patients (16.4%) experienced mild discomfort when using red-free (green) light, while only 3 patients (6.7%) were very comfortable and 31 (68.9%) had mild discomfort when using yellow light. The complaints of watering with yellow and green light were noted in 36 patients (80.0%) and 15 patients (27.3%), pain in 13 patients (28.9%) and 3 patients (5.5%), light sensitivity in 29 patients (64.4%) and 4 patients (7.3%), respectively, all being significantly more in yellow light category (P < 0.001). The time of examination was significantly more in yellow light category with 83 ± 10.75 seconds (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Retinal examination using the green filter of indirect ophthalmoscope is more comfortable in examining the patients as compared to routine yellow light with decreased number of complaints, lesser examination time, and better patient cooperation.