What Are the Benefits of a Retinal Screening?
Getting an annual eye exam is about more than checking your vision. An eye doctor will examine everything from visual acuity to the pressure of your eyes to signs of any infections or diseases. They are looking at the overall health of your eyes. That’s why it’s so important they look at not just what’s in front of your eyes, but also what’s behind them. That’s where a retinal screening comes in.
What are the benefits of a retinal screening?
“[It] allows the doctor to have a wider view of the inside of your eyes without having to dilate your pupils,” explained Dr. Meghan Riegel.
This enlarged view can help eye doctors assess for conditions such as:
- Retinal Detachment
- Glaucoma
- Age-related Macular Degeneration
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
Dr. Riegel shared that retinal screenings use high-resolution imaging systems to take pictures of the inside of your eye. In addition to helping detect diseases early, these images provide a permanent and historical record of changes in your eye. Images can be compared side-by-side, year after year, to discover even subtle changes and help monitor your health.
“The screening helps me see inside of your eyes and its more convenient for you. It’s a win-win!” said Dr. Riegel.
Retinal screenings do not replace regular eye exams, and in some cases, dilation may still be necessary. Talk to your VSP network eye doctor to see if retinal screenings are right for you.