Retinal Imaging: How it Works and Why it’s Important

The retina is a layer of light-sensitive tissue found at the back of the eye. It receives the light as it passes through the eye and converts it into electrical signals that are sent up to the brain via the optic nerve. It also contains an additional patch of cells called the macular, which is responsible for central vision and helps us to see fine details, read, drive, watch television, and even recognize faces.

Unfortunately, the retina is just as likely to be affected by issues as any other part of the body. However, since it plays such an essential role in our vision, many eye doctors include retinal imaging as part of routine comprehensive eye exams. This helps them to monitor the health and condition of your retina so that any issues are detected as quickly as possible, before they have a chance to compromise your vision.

 

Examples of Retinal Diseases

There are a wide range of different diseases and problems that can affect the retina. These include, but aren’t limited to:

• Retinal tears
   

• Retinal detachment
   

• Diabetic retinopathy
   

• Macular holes
   

• Macular degeneration
   

• Retinoblastoma (a type of cancer of the eye)

Some retinal conditions are more serious than others, but all have the potential to severely affect our vision if they aren’t detected and treated early. It can be helpful to be aware of the signs and symptoms of retinal diseases, which include:

• Seeing floaters or flashes of light in your field of vision
   

• Blurred or distorted vision
   

• Reduced vision
   

• Blind spots
   

• Difficulty making out fine details
   

If you notice any of these symptoms it’s important to speak to your eye doctor to explain your concerns. It’s likely you will be recommended to undergo retinal imaging.

 

What’s Involved in Retinal Imaging?

Retinal imaging uses cutting-edge technology to take a digital picture of the back of the eye. It doesn’t only show the retina, but also the macula, the optic disk, optic nerve, and the blood vessels that serve it.

This digital picture is in exceptionally high resolution, giving your eye doctor the ability to detect any abnormalities. The images are also stored digitally, meaning that they can be kept safe and compared year after year so that your eye doctor can continually monitor the health of your retina or any diseases that are developing.

Retinal exams are non-invasive, painless, and do not require your pupils to be dilated.

We are delighted to be able to offer the very latest retinal imaging technology to help us comprehensively assess, diagnose, and treat retinal problems that may affect our patients.

Our EIDON retinal imaging camera provides a 60-degree image of the retina with a single exposure, and up to 150-degrees using multiple exposures. This offers a far greater quality of image, making it easier for us to correctly identify any issues, monitor the progression of retinal diseases, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment more closely.

To learn more about retinal imaging or to schedule an appointment, call NVISION Eyecare in Rosedale, Auckland at 09-884-0034.