Digital retinal imaging uses high-resolution imaging systems to take pictures of the inside of your eye. This helps VSP network doctors assess the health of your retina and helps them to detect and manage such eye and health conditions as diabetes, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Finding retinal disorders as early as possible is critical to potentially preventing serious disease progression and even vision loss.
A Piece of History
In addition to helping detect diseases early, retinal images provide a permanent and historical record of changes in your eye. Images can be compared side-by-side, year after year, to discover even subtle changes and help monitor your health.
Retinal images also make it easier for your doctor to educate you about your health and wellness. The two of you can review your images together, and your doctor can point out the various structures of the retina and explain treatment options for any conditions revealed by the pictures. The more you know about eye diseases, the more likely you will understand and follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and prevention.
Here are just some of the diseases retinal imaging can help a VSP network doctor notice or see more closely:
- Age-related Macular Degeneration – Macular degeneration is usually signified by leaking of fluid or bleeding in the back of the eye. This causes central vision loss.
- Cancer – A dark spot at the back of the eye may signal a melanoma, which can grow unnoticed within the retina. If caught early, melanomas can be treated before they cause serious damage and travel to other areas of the body through the bloodstream.
- Diabetic Retinopathy – Diabetes can cause changes in the blood vessels of the retina, like swelling and leakage or the creation of new blood vessels. Blindness can result without early detection.
- Glaucoma – Pressure against the optic nerve and compression of the eye’s blood vessels may indicate glaucoma. This disease causes permanent and irreversible vision loss.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) – Signs of high blood pressure often appear first in the eye. Indicators can include narrowing of the blood vessels, spots on the retina, or bleeding in the back of the eye.
- Retinal Detachment – Retinas can lift or pull away from the wall of the eye. If not properly treated, this can cause permanent vision loss.
There are many retinal imaging options available to you. Talk to your VSP network doctor about which one is right for you.
Information received through VSP Vision Care channels 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.
Article ©2020 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved. Reproduction other than for one-time personal use is strictly prohibited. This article was originally published at https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/eye-health/retinal-exam
