Digital Retinal Imaging Eye Exam
Examining the retina is challenging. Traditionally, your eye doctor will dilate your eyes to be able to use tools that help them look through your pupil to examine the retina in the back of your eye. Traditional viewing methods can be effective, but can also be difficult to perform and do not allow for a digital record to keep on file.
In comparison, when you have a retinal imaging eye exam, the images are kept in your file to use each year. In most cases, the eye doctor does not need to dilate your eyes. The exam is safe and easy, as nothing touches the eye at any time. You will see a comfortable flash of light which indicates the image has been captured. The instrument(s) use low-intensity light and soundwaves to create digital images of the retinal surface and layers below. The Premier Eye Exam takes less than 2 minutes to complete!
Note: In rare cases, the eye doctor may still recommend having your eyes dilated during your visit.
What is Digital Retinal Imaging?
Digital retinal imaging is a non-invasive tool used in Visionworks’ Premier Eye Exam. It helps you and your local eye doctor make informed decisions about your eye health and monitor your overall well-being year-to-year. Combining your eye doctor’s expertise and retinal imaging technology, you can bring your eye exam to life.
The retinal imaging systems capture HD 3-D images that allow the doctor to see the fine details of over 80% of your retina, including the layers below the surface. Traditional methods used for eye exams only reveal around 10-15% of your retina at one time. The ultra-wide view provided by tools, such as Optomap images, enhance your eye doctor’s ability to detect even the earliest sign of disease that appears on your retina. Being able to see more of the retina at once allows your eye doctor to better educate you about your eye health.
Why is a Healthy Retina Important?
An unhealthy retina is unable to send clear signals to your brain which can lead to impaired vision or blindness. However, with early detection, most retinal conditions and other related diseases can be treated successfully. The retina does not have any nerve endings, so without a comprehensive eye exam, you may not be aware of a potential problem. You may see clearly and not feel any pain, which usually is what prompts people to visit their eye doctor. This is why routine comprehensive eye exams are so important.
What can happen to the retina?
Your retina is the only place in the body where blood vessels can be seen directly. This means that in addition to eye conditions, signs of other diseases, such as stroke, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, can be seen in the retina. Early detection is essential so treatments can be administered. Below are some of the conditions related to the retina.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes affects the eyes and the kidneys and is a leading cause of blindness. Retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels inside the retina.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
The center of the retina (the macula) can become diseased as we get older. This results in alterations to our fine central vision making daily activities such as driving and reading difficult.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve and almost always develops without symptoms.
Hypertension
Increased pressure can result in changes to blood vessels in the eye, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (stroke or heart disease).
How Often Should I Have a Premier Eye Exam?
Your local eye doctor will advise you based on your individual circumstances, but the general recommendation is that you have a retinal imaging exam every time you have an eye exam, which should be about once per year. Annual eye exams with digital imaging tools will ensure you have a digital record of your retinal health on file that your eye doctor can use to compare changes over time.
Schedule a Retinal Imaging Eye Exam Today!
Annual comprehensive eye exams are extremely important for both your vision health as well as your overall well-being. Stop by Visionworks today or schedule an eye exam near you and request a Premier Eye Exam using ultra-wide digital retinal imaging technology.
Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Claims regarding blue light efficiency are supported by manufacturer-provided test results.
