What is Cone of Light?

The cone of light is a triangular brightness that is visible on the lower portion of the tympanic membrane (eardrum) during otoscopy. Otoscopy is a procedure that involves shining a light into the ear canal to examine the eardrum and middle ear. The cone of light is caused by the reflection of light from the eardrum.

What does the cone of light indicate?

The cone of light is a normal finding during otoscopy, which is a procedure that involves shining a light into the ear canal to examine the eardrum and middle ear. It is caused by the reflection of light from the eardrum.

What Causes the Cone of Light?

The cone of light is caused by the reflection of light from the eardrum. The eardrum is a thin, semi-transparent membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. When light is shone into the ear canal, it is reflected off of the eardrum and creates a cone of light that is visible on the lower portion of the eardrum.

Where is the Cone of Light Seen?

The cone of light is seen on the lower portion of the tympanic membrane (eardrum). This is because the eardrum is more curved at the bottom than it is at the top. This curvature causes the light to be reflected more strongly at the bottom of the eardrum, creating the cone of light.

What Does an Absent Cone of Light Mean?

An absent cone of light can indicate a number of things, including:

• A perforated eardrum. A perforated eardrum is a hole in the eardrum. If the eardrum is perforated, light will not be able to reflect off of it and the cone of light will not be visible.
• A middle ear infection. A middle ear infection can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear. This can block the passage of light and make the cone of light invisible.
• A foreign object in the ear. A foreign object in the ear can block the passage of light and make the cone of light invisible.

Treatment for the underlying condition will depend on the cause.