Importance of Eye Exams for Retinal Health
A retinal screening creates a two-dimensional image of the three-dimensional retinal tissue. During a painless diagnostic exam, retinal imaging systems use a high-resolution camera to take colored pictures of the back of the eye, including the retina, optic disc, optic nerve and blood vessels. With access to the structures in the eye, your doctor is given a much wider digital view of the inner workings of the retina. The purpose and importance of eye exams for retinal health is to gain an accurate assessment of the health of the eye to identify signs of eye disease or other health conditions that may require early intervention or advanced treatment.
A dilated eye exam or fundus exam, more commonly referred to as a retinal exam, is often an optional component of a comprehensive eye exam. However, it is critical not to exclude retinal imaging solely based on cost or time efficiency as some patients who do not have specific indicators for retinal tests (age consideration, symptom-driven necessity, risk factors, etc.) may deem the procedure unnecessary. Retinal imaging is a valuable addition to your routine eye exam. Eye exams for retinal health give your doctor a comprehensive view of your eye health above and beyond a standard eye exam. Retinal images can be saved and compared year after year allowing your doctor to monitor subtle changes, which can be particularly useful in detecting the progression of diseases that may be asymptomatic until damage is irreversible. Retinal imaging can detect early signs of serious eye conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and retinal detachment; uncovering these conditions early can slow progression preventing vision loss. The retina’s blood vessels can also reveal signs of systemic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is quite a marvel that images of the back of the eye can expose medical issues in other parts of the body. Detailed information obtained in less than 10 minutes of retinal imaging can address specific concerns, eliminate risks, diagnose other conditions and, if everything turns out to be healthy, provide peace of mind.
Incorporating retinal imaging into your regular eye exams can significantly enhance the quality of your eye care, helping to catch problems early and maintain optimal eye health over time. Given its ability to detect both eye-related and inherent health issues early, it’s a wise choice to include this technology in your eye care routine.
Book your appointment at Associated Retina Consultants today by calling 602-242-4928 or scheduling online at WEBSITE.