When visiting your eye doctor for your annual eye exam, retinal imaging may be recommended as part of the evaluation. If you’re unfamiliar with this process, what to expect, and why retinal imaging is so helpful when it comes to maintaining healthy vision, here’s some crucial information to review.

A Guide to Understanding Retinal Imaging

What is Retinal Imaging?

Retinal imaging is the process of taking high-resolution digital photographs of the inside of your eye. These images help your eye doctor better understand your eye health. Through evaluating digital images, your vision team will be able to detect eye conditions early on to correct issues or begin treatment sooner rather than later. 

Why Do Eye Doctors Recommend Retinal Imaging?

This imaging process is often a part of a routine eye exam. Retinal imaging can detect glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and hypertension. Dark spots identified on the eye through retinal imaging can signal melanoma and allows patients to seek cancer treatment in the early stages. Individuals with diabetes are encouraged to undergo routine retinal imaging as well to determine whether blood vessels are swollen or damaged. Once diagnosed with an eye condition such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, routine imaging allows your eye doctor to track changes in your eyesight and adjust the treatment plan as needed. 

What Can You Expect From the Process?

To get a clear picture of your retina, your eye doctor will begin the process by dilating your eyes with specialized eye drops. You’ll need to wait approximately 20 minutes for the drops to take effect. Next, you’ll be placed in front of a digital camera. To ensure a steady image, the device will have a chin and forehead strap that allows you to stare straight ahead without moving. Once in place, you’ll keep your eyes open wide as the laser scans and takes detailed photos. The process takes roughly five minutes, and your eye doctor will be able to review the scans immediately. 

Are you ready for an eye exam that includes retinal imaging so that you can better understand the status of your vision? If so, the friendly and experienced team at Eye Care Optical can help. With a state-of-the-art facility and the region’s best selection of designer frames, residents throughout Montgomery County, OH, have relied on this vision center for over four decades. To schedule your first appointment, call them today at (513) 731-6587. To learn more about their comprehensive services and friendly, personalized approach to eye care, visit their website.