6 Eye Diseases Your Optometrist Can Detect With Retinal Imaging

6 Diseases Your Eye Doctor Can Detect With Digital Retinal Imaging

During your eye exam, your Calgary eye doctor will perform a digital retinal imaging test which allows for a more detailed view of your retina and a better chance of detecting eye diseases. This is important because it will ensure the proper treatment is put into place to hinder disease progression, or treat it all together.

Here are 6 diseases that your eye doctor can detect with digital retinal imaging:

1. Glaucoma: Retinal imaging can reveal signs and symptoms of glaucoma, such as damage to the optic nerve caused by increased pressure on the blood vessels in this area. Early detection of this eye disease is key as it can often lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

2. Retinal Detachment: Retinal detachment is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. Digital retinal imaging used on patients who are exhibiting symptoms of this condition, such as seeing flashes of light or floaters, allows eye doctors to quickly find evidence that the retina has become detached.

3. Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Retinal imaging can show many symptoms of AMD, such as fluid leakage or bleeding in the back of the eye. AMD is one of the main causes of vision loss in patients over 50, so adding this test to the patient’s eye exam could be the difference between being adequately treated and blindness.

4. Diabetic Retinopathy: This technology used on patients with diabetes helps detect early signs of retinal damage due to the disease. Using retinal imaging, your optometrist can check for abnormal changes in the eye, including the formation of new blood vessels and/or swelling.

5. High Blood Pressure: Hypertension can go undiagnosed for years, increasing the risk of heart problems or stroke. With digital retinal imaging, patients can find out early if they have high blood pressure. How? This test shows symptoms of hypertension in the eye, such as narrowing blood vessels, bleeding in the back of the eye, or retinal spots. Finding early signs of this disease ensures the patient gets the treatment they need to manage it and lower the risk of complications.

6. Cancer: Retinal imaging can significantly increase a patient’s chances of treating certain types of cancers. High resolution images of the retina can show early signs of cancer in the eye, such as dark spots that indicate a melanoma. When these symptoms are caught early, patients can seek treatment promptly to prevent the cancer from spreading.

Call Today

To find out more about how our Calgary optometrists use state-of-the-art technology, such as digital retinal imaging during your eye exam to help detect and treat serious eye diseases and prevent vision loss, visit one of our three branches, Crowfoot (67 Crowfoot Terrace NW, T3G 4J8), West Springs (1009 873 85 St SW, T3H 0J5) or Creekside (12192 Symons Valley Rd NW, T3P 0A3).

Alternatively, you can contact our team at our Crowfoot Branch (403-547-5417), West Springs (403-242-0999) or Creekside (403-516-2292).