What is a Retinal Health Examination?
The retina is located at the very back of the eye, where it collects light that enters through the pupil and sends it to the brain. The retina is not visible by looking at the external portion of the eye, so doctors have established special techniques in order to view the retina. By using a microscope as well as a series of optical lenses, light can be directed through the pupil and allow the doctor to see a magnified image of the retina. If your eye doctor does this through your normally-sized pupil, they are able to see small areas of the retina at the time, such as at the optic nerve or the macula. If the doctor needs to see larger areas of the retina, they may need to using dilating eye drops in order to make your pupil bigger. This allows more light to enter the eye so that the doctor can better evaluate more of the retina.
Newer technology has allowed retinal photos to be used to assess the health of the retina. Several different devices can be used to take wide field pictures of the retina, giving the doctor permanent documentation of retinal health that can be stored along with medical records. Retinal photography is an excellent way for doctors to monitor conditions over long periods of time by easily allowing them to compare retinal appearance from year to year. Most forms of retinal photography can be performed without needing dilation drops.
If you are unsure which form of retinal evaluation is best for you, talk to your doctor. Based on your risk factors and ocular history, they will be able to recommend the most appropriate form of retinal assessment.
Why Are Retinal Health Exams Important?
The retina is necessary for good vision. Many conditions that can affect the retina have the potential to cause significant vision loss if not accurately diagnosed and appropriately treated. Some eye conditions, such as glaucoma, can occur with little to no symptoms until there has been significant damage and irreversible vision loss has occurred. Other times, systemic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels or tissue in the retina which may not cause symptoms right away. By undergoing regular eye examinations that include a detailed health assessment of the retina, you can ensure you are doing everything possible to protect the health of your eyes.
Our eye doctors at Wilmington Family Eye Care in Wilmington, DE excel in prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye disese. Call our optometrists at 302-299-1286 or schedule an eye exam appointment online if you would like to be evaluated for your eye health and retinal health. Our eye doctors, Drs. Daniel Baruffi, Joseph Goldberg, and Karen Darrell Maxam provide the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in Wilmington, Delaware and its surrounding areas.