Retinal imaging is an important procedure that can help patients learn more about their overall health. Not only is it a quick and non-invasive procedure that gives insight into your eye health, but retinal imaging also allows your doctor to identify a variety of diseases, even before you show symptoms. Read on to learn more about what retinal imaging is, its importance as a checkup procedure, how it can detect early signs of health conditions, and helpful tips for patients about to have a retinal imaging scan.
What is Retinal Imaging?
Retinal imaging is a medical procedure which takes a digital picture of the back of your eye. These images show the different components of the eye, including the retina, the optic disk, and some blood vessels. While doctors can use tools like a lighted microscope to look at the back of your eye briefly, retinal imaging allows them to get a much wider view, adding another layer of precision to their observations and diagnoses of any health conditions.
Why is Retinal Imaging Important?
Retinal imaging allows doctors to look out for possible signs of disease or degeneration of sight which cannot be noticed otherwise. This makes retinal imaging one of the first ways to observe, diagnose, and treat certain eye conditions. Importantly, retinal imaging can even detect disease somewhere else in the body; diagnoses are not limited to conditions of the eye.
Conditions Which May be Detected by Retinal Imaging
There are several conditions which may be diagnosed through retinal imaging. These include:
Macular Degeneration: As we age, the central part of the retina, known as the macula, begins to degrade, leading to vision loss. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, a diagnosis means that a patient can begin to pursue treatments to slow the progression of the disease.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma is caused by a buildup of fluid in the front of the eye, which damages the optic nerve and may cause vision loss. Luckily, the progression is typically gradual, and it can be effectively treated with prescription eye drops.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and can cause issues with vision, balance, muscle control and other bodily functions. Multiple sclerosis can be detected through retinal imaging by assessing changes in the retina and optic nerve.
Diabetes: Diabetic Retinopathy, which is a symptom of unmanaged or poorly managed diabetes, occurs when elevated blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina. By observing diabetic retinopathy through a retinal imaging exam, a doctor may diagnose a patient with diabetes.
Hypertension or High Blood Pressure: Hypertensive Retinopathy is a symptom of chronic high blood pressure. A doctor who observes and diagnoses hypertensive retinopathy through retinal imaging can prevent a patient from suffering vision loss along with other diseases influenced by high blood pressure, like heart disease and heart failure.
After retinal imaging, various outcomes may arise based on the imaging's purpose and the findings. Here are some typical steps:
In conclusion, understanding the steps following retinal imaging is essential for maintaining eye health and addressing any potential issues. Regular check-ups and open communication with your eye care professional can lead to early detection and effective management of eye conditions. By being proactive about your eye health and staying informed, you can play an active role in preserving your vision for years to come. If you have any concerns about your eye health or the retinal imaging process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. Your eyes are worth it!
References
Six condition that are detectable with a retinal camera. Hillrom. (2021, June 2). https://www.hillrom.com/en/news-center/six-conditions-that-are-detectable-with-a-retinal-camera/
Whitney Seltman. (2023, May 30). Retinal imaging: Purpose, procedure, risks, Results. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/what-is-retinal-imaging
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