What is Digital Retinal Photography?
This is a system which allows us to take a photograph of the back of the eye; the important central retinal area.
How Will That Benefit Me?
The central retinal area plays an extremely important role in maintaining the quality of your vision. For this reason it is important that any problems are picked up at the earliest possible stage, before they affect your vision. Digital Photography allows for a far more detailed inspection of the central retina and also, because the images are stored on computer, comparisons can be made from visit to visit. The photographs are instant, so if you want, you can see what the optometrist sees.
How does it work?
The procedure takes a few moments, is entirely painless, and is no different in sensation to having a normal photograph taken. To see an interactive demonstration click on the link below.
Who Should Have Retinal Photographs Taken?
Certain factors increase the risk of eye problems. If you are in a higher risk group, it is even more important that you include retinal photography as part of your eye examination.
What are the Risk Factors?
There are often no symptoms or changes to the vision in the early stages. We rely solely on a detailed inspection of the eye to find these potential problems.
Diabetes. Blood vessels in the eye are very delicate and therefore vulnerable to diabetes even at the early stages of the disease (type 1 and type 2). Blood vessel damage can lead to permanent vision problems/loss. Diabetes is the biggest cause of visual loss in the working population in the western world, and the 2nd largest cause in the retired population. Comparison of the images of the blood vessels from one year to the next means that subtle changes can be found at the earliest and managed appropriately.
Family History of Glaucoma. For the commonest type of glaucoma there are NO SYMPTOMS in the early stages. If someone in your direct family has glaucoma, you are at higher risk of developing this condition. Retinal Imaging allows a very detailed inspection of the optic nerve head; the part of the eye which is damaged in glaucoma.
Smoking. Smoking affects the health of the blood vessels and the macula as well as causing premature age changes.
Over 40 Years of Age. The risk of developing many eye diseases significantly increases over the age of 40.
Diet. A healthy diet is essential to maintain a healthy retina; a poor intake of fruit and vegetables (particularly the green leafy types) significantly increases the risk of macula degeneration.
Vascular Problems. The eye relies on a healthy blood supply. The blood vessels within the eye are very delicate and vulnerable to change from any diseases that affect the blood or blood system.
Blue Eyes. Blue eyes have less protective pigment and so are more at risk of UV damage. We recommend using UV400 blocking sunglasses, and retinal imaging to inspect the macula area.
Family History of Macula Degeneration. You are at higher risk of developing macula degeneration if you have a family history of this condition. It is the leading cause of severe visual loss in the western world, but does not lead to total blindness. The ‘DRY’ type has a certain risk factors. Monitoring the macula and discussion of any appropriate risk factors is recommended. The ‘WET’ type is very quick to strike and has a much bigger effect on the central vision. Although there are now some breakthrough treatments to prevent further loss of vision, the condition must be picked up at the earliest stage for treatment to be of any use.
Myopia. High or moderate short-sighted eyes (greater than 4.00 Dioptres) are at higher risk of macula problems, retinal thinning, and glaucoma. This is because the short-sighted eyeball is generally longer and the structures are stretched.
Outdoor Workers or Outdoor Hobbies. UV sunlight can damage the structures of the eye, particularly the macula. We recommend using UV400 blocking sunglasses, and retinal imaging to inspect the macula in detail.
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