Frontal Sinus Transillumination – Physical Exam

Transillumination is the technique of sample illumination by transmission of light through the sample. In medicine transillumination generally refers to the transmission of light through tissues of the body.

Technique:

1. Place transilluminator at superior medial orbit edge
   • Light placed deep under each brow pointed upward
   • Cover light source with hand over patient’s eye
     • Shields light source from examiner
   • Transilluminate up through floor of Frontal Sinus
2. Observe for glow at anterior Frontal Sinus wall
   • Normal if dim red glow seen over frontal area
   • Compare both sides