Why Does Your Optometrist Want You to Have a Retinal Imaging Scan?
If you have regular eye tests, then you know what to expect each time you see your optometrist. However, when you book your next appointment, you're told that you should also have a retinal imaging scan as well as your regular test.
What does this scan do and why do you need one?
What Is Retinal Imaging?
A retinal imaging scan isn't invasive, it doesn't hurt, and it doesn't take much time. This scan basically takes a photo of the inside of each of your eyes.
These photos give you optometrist a fuller view of the parts of your eyes that they can't see with regular instruments. For example, your optometrist gets a clear image of your retinas and the back area of each eye.
Why Is Retinal Imagery Used?
Some optometrists like to use retinal imagery scans as part of general eye exams. This doesn't mean you have a problem with your eyes. Your optometrist may simply have added scans to their general eye test schedule for most of their patients to get an in-depth overview of their eyes.
In some cases, you may be asked to have a scan because you have a specific problem with your eyes that your optometrist wants to investigate. They just want to get a full picture of your eye health to make their diagnosis easier.
For example, if you feel that your sight is getting a bit cloudy, then your optometrist can use a retinal scan to look for signs of problems. If the cloudiness is caused by cataracts, this would show up on the scan pictures.
Or, you may have a health condition that makes it more likely that you'll develop eye problems down the line. Your optometrist may want to see inside your eyes each time you have an eye test to make sure that everything is still OK.
For example, if you're a diabetic, then you have an increased chance of getting glaucoma. While you may not ever develop this condition, having a retinal imagery scan every time you have an eye test allows your optometrist to catch the problem early if it does happen. Like many eye problems, glaucoma is easier to treat in its early stages.
If you aren't sure why you need a retinal imagery scan, talk to your optometrist. They can explain why they want you to have this test and tell you more about how it works.
When it comes to your body health, one of the most important parts to look after are your eyes because this is one item that cannot be repaired or replaced when they fail. As you age, your eyes change too, and I was not aware of that until my optometrist told me I needed bifocal glasses. I began this blog as a way of educating others over 40 about why you need to care for your eyes as you age. Cataracts, bifocal glasses, eyestrain and the need for regular eye check-ups are just a few of the subjects I will cover in my blog posts.