Digital Retinal imaging

The retina is where the light and images hit the back of the eye. The optic disk then sends the image through the optic nerve to the brain. The position of these structures in the back of the eye makes it difficult to examine without help.

Special equipment is required to visualize the back of the eye to check the health of the eye and look for eye disease.

Digital imaging of the retina provides a wider view of the retina than just an ophthalmoscope exam. This digital imaging is an added layer of examination to identify certain eye diseases that can affect the retina. It is part of a thorough eye exam and is not done in the place of a regular eye exam or dilation.

Patients with known diseases or conditions may be recommended to have digital retinal imaging. Diabetes, macular degeneration (wet or dry), and glaucoma can affect the retina. Diabetes damages the blood vessels of the retina. Macular degeneration can lead a patient to be legally blind. Dry macular degeneration is when the blood vessels under the retina become brittle and thin. Wet macular degeneration is caused by abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina. Glaucoma is a fluid buildup that causes damage to the optic nerve.

Dr. Jodi Shepard offers digital retinal imaging at Eyexam of California in Hayward, California.