Retinal Imaging has been used for many years now to recognise and aid in prevention of eye problems and systemic diseases by means of a Digital Retinal Scan.
Digital Retina Cameras, or Digital Fundus Cameras, capture detailed images of the back of the eyeball, opposite the pupil, inside the eye.
These pictures show a 30° to 45° section of the back of the eye, including the central retina, the optic nerve and surrounding blood vessels. This enables the overall condition of the eye to be assessed, especially the important macular area where images are focused in the centre of vision. Any abnormalities or potential issues which may indicate the start of an eye disease or disorder can be clearly seen in the image.
The test is able to detect early signs of Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Retinal Neoplasms, Choroid Disturbances and Diabetic Retinopathy. It can also pick up any indications of Retinal Tears or Detachments, Central Retinal Vein or Artery Occlusion or Optic Strokes.
Why a Retinal Scan is so Important
Since the retinal image also shows the general state of the blood vessels of the body, it can also help to identify hyper-tension, vascular disorders and central nervous system abnormalities. Interestingly it is only here, at the back of the eye, where blood vessels are exposed in such a way to allow this.
Digital Retinal photographs act as a snapshot of the opthalmoscopic state of the patient’s retina at that date and time, and are easily stored as digital records for future reference and comparison. The optometrist examines each image and interprets any findings, recording them as notes that are held as a profile of the patient’s eye health with the pictures.
At Insight Optometrists, Indooroopilly, we have included the taking of digital retinal photographs as a standard procedure in regular eye examinations since 2005.
This enables us to store images of the back of each eye on a patient record for reference in future eye tests as a baseline of the condition of the retina. We can monitor any changes or issues that arise by comparing historical image results.
If any concerns arise from the digital retinal photographs, they may require further investigation with our more sophisticated retinal imaging equipment. We may recommend undertaking an Ultra Wide Retinal Scan, or Optomap, from the Optos camera, or 3D OCT imaging.
Both of these tests are simple and quick to conduct in-house, at our premises in Indooroopilly, and will provide more in depth information on the retina that will aid in investigation and diagnosis.
All of these retinal imaging techniques combine to allow early treatment which results in much better outcomes, both for optical and general health.
Who should have a Digital Retinal Scan
A Digital Retinal Scan is recommended at every eye examination to ensure good eye health and detect any early stages of eye disease.
You will be asked to sit comfortably in front of our camera, resting your chin on a chin rest and then to lean your forehead against a guide bar to stabilise your position. Once the camera is aligned and focused, you will see a quick flash as the picture is taken.
Contact us now without delay for your Retinal Scan today