RETINAL SCREENING
Ophthalmoscopy, also called funduscopy, is a test that allows a health professional to see inside the fundus of the eye and other structures using an ophthalmoscope (or funduscope). It is done as part of an eye examination and may be done as part of a routine eye examination.
With it, they can see the retina (which senses light and images), the optic disk (where the optic nerve takes the information to the brain), and blood vessels.
Retinal imaging takes a digital picture of the back of your eye. It shows the retina (where light and images hit), the optic disk (a spot on the retina that holds the optic nerve, which sends information to the brain), and blood vessels. This helps your optometrist or ophthalmologist find certain diseases and check the health of your eyes. It doesn’t replace a regular eye exam, but adds another layer of precision to it.
Who Gets This Test?
Diabetes: This disease can damage the blood vessels in your retina. Over time, it causes you to lose your sight if it is not controlled.
Macular degeneration: The central part of your retina (the macula) starts to get worse with age. You may have blurry vision and find it harder to focus. If that happens, you may be considered legally blind even though you may still have peripheral vision.
Glaucoma: This disease damages your optic nerve (located in the retina) and may cause vision loss. It typically happens when fluid builds up in the front of your eye. It can cause blindness but it normally progresses slowly and can be treated with special eye drops to lower the pressure caused by the fluid.
It's advisable to have cataract screening once to two years but it's best to attend earlier if any eye problems occur or if advised by us your optometrist. Any abnormalities detected we will refer to ophthalmologist for further treatment. Retinal screening for earlier detection of retinal abnormalities is very important.