Opticians photograph your eyes for documentation of the inside or outside of your eyes, as well as for measurements when you buy new glasses. Most of the time, those photographs are utilised to determine how the lenses should be positioned in front of your eyes, a process called centration. Below is a more extensive explanation of why opticians take images and how the data is used.
How Do Opticians Take Photos Of Eyes?
Retinal imaging has steadily improved throughout the years as a result of consistent study and development.
Each approach has distinct advantages for detecting various disorders in the eye, and your optometrist will be able to prescribe the best option for your unique circumstance. Your optometrist can inspect your eye using a variety of techniques.
Digital Retinal Imaging
When opticians photograph your eyes’ inner workings, digital retinal imaging (DRI) is used to take images of the back of your eye. In most countries, the optician operates the machine and takes the photographs, but the images are evaluated by an ophthalmologist. On the scan, changes in the retina or faults that may indicate to the optician why visual acuity may be lowered can be noticed.
Retinal imaging is not commonly used in optical establishments, but some do use it as a screening tool, and if the optician notices any abnormalities in the inner regions of the eyes, he will refer the consumer to an optical doctor. What can the optometrist see with retinal imaging?
- They will be able to see any signs of damaged blood vessels in your retina, which can result in a decrease in visual acuity if not treated.
- Your macular might show signs of degeneration.
- The consequences of intraocular pressure (a damaged optic nerve) are visible.
Optical Coherence Tomography
In contrast to the preceding paragraphs, when a photo is taken with a topographer, the optician just concentrates on the outside region of the eye. This device likewise casts bright rings in front of your eyes. The optician then measures the curvature of your eye using digital tools that evaluate the photographs. This allows him to determine if glasses or special contact lenses are a better option for you.
The topographer is a tremendously useful tool. It can be used to consult on which glasses lenses to buy, which contacts would perform better, or why your eyesight may be off. On your cornea, dry eyespots might be noticed. It’s a fantastic tool, many opticians use it on a daily basis to take images and compare them to measurements that were taken years ago.
Why is OCT of Retinal Imaging necessary?
Retinal imaging and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) are used to detect and diagnose eye diseases, as well as to track their progression or treatment response. A full eye exam includes retinal or OCT imaging to ensure that any early indicators of eye illness are detected before they worsen.
The earlier you discover eye disease, the better your chances of preserving your vision and ocular health.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a degenerative disorder known as the “silent thief of sight” because it typically develops without symptoms. Glaucoma can swiftly lead to irreversible visual loss if not treated promptly.
Elevated intraocular pressure, which generally arises as a result of fluid buildup in the eye, is one of the most common glaucoma causes. The pressure stresses and destroys the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss.
Early indications of glaucoma can be detected by using retinal imaging equipment to assess the optic nerve in conjunction with visual field tests. Although optic nerve damage cannot be reversed, careful monitoring, functional testing, and early intervention are critical in controlling glaucoma and maintaining your vision.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes is a chronic disease that alters how your body generates and uses insulin, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels or high blood sugar. Diabetes can also lead to a number of problems, including vision-threatening eye disorders.
One of the most frequent diabetes-related eye disorders is diabetic retinopathy. It happens when the small blood vessels in the eye expand and rupture, allowing blood and other fluids to flow into the eye. In advanced stages, decreasing blood vessel circulation deprives the retina of oxygen, resulting in sections of the retina withering off.
Diabetic retinopathy, if left untreated, can result in irreversible visual loss and perhaps blindness. Early indications of diabetic eye illness can be detected and diagnosed via retinal imaging.
Optical coherence tomography allows your optometrist to see the back of your eye in more detail. These imaging examinations can tell you if your blood vessels are normal and if fluid is leaking into your retinal tissue.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disorder in which the centre of the retina begins to degenerate, resulting in obstructed or blurred central vision.
AMD is classified into two types: dry and moist. The most prevalent type of AMD is dry AMD, which causes a progressive deterioration of the core retinal structures. Wet AMD develops significantly faster as a result of a sudden leaking from weak blood vessels beneath the macula.
Optical coherence tomography can both be used to detect early symptoms of age-related macular degeneration. Both approaches can generate images that show fluid deposits in the retina, drusen formation, an early symptom of dry AMD, scar tissue, as well as other abnormalities.
Hypertensive Retinopathy
Hypertensive retinopathy develops as a result of elevated blood pressure, often known as hypertension. When your blood pressure is too high, the walls of your eye’s blood vessels can thicken and narrow. Blood arteries that grow too narrow prevent oxygen and nutrients from reaching the retina, causing it to enlarge. Damage to the blood vessels can impede the function of the retina and put pressure on the optic nerve, which is essential for clear vision.
The most common cause of hypertensive retinopathy is chronic high blood pressure.
Retinal imaging is critical in detecting hypertensive retinopathy before it causes vision loss. The high-resolution images enable your optometrist to examine the blood vessels in your eyes, retina, and optic nerve for any anomalies that could suggest the onset of disease.
Do I Need OCT Or Digital Retinal Images Taken Of My Eye?
It’s important for you to get regular eye tests. Specialists/doctors/GP/hospitals might recommend having it done.
OCT of Retinal Images are now widely used as part of a routine eye exam. However, if you detect any changes in your vision or loss of vision, your eye doctor may want to utilise these photos to rule out any ocular disorders that may be causing retinal damage.
Furthermore, if you have been diagnosed with any of the following diseases, your eye doctor may advise you to have a test:
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Retinal toxicity
As you can see there are many reasons why an optician may take images of your eyes. If you think that you may have any of the above or want to know more information don’t hesitate to get in touch with Belson Opticians today.