Innovations in technology and medicine now allow healthcare professionals to provide more thorough and safe methods of care. Our team at Prairie Eye Care strive to keep up to date with new technologies in the eye care field in order to give our patients the best and most efficient quality of care. One of the services we use is known as retinal imaging. What is retinal imaging and how has it changed over time? Continue reading on to learn more about retinal imaging and how it can help you!
What is Retinal Imaging?
Retinal imaging is a newer eye test that allows your optometrist in providing individuals with a thorough eye exam. It provides a digital image of the retina, blood vessels, and the optic nerve. It has been successful in making early diagnoses of different issues such as ocular problems. The images show any changes that have occurred in a patient’s eye in a quick and pain-free way.
What is the History of Retinal Imaging?
In 1926 the first fundus camera was invented. This provided people with a 20-degree view of the retina. After this successful period, a 30-degree product was created and used by most optometrists. The view was still very limited.
After many years, doctors created a method to view 75 degrees by taking several photos in a montage. This method helped to detect several other health issues, but the periphery was still limited.
It wasn’t until 1997 that a 130-degree view was available of the retina. A wide-angle camera, contact lenses, and several lens attachments were used to make this possible.
The 2000’s brought new technologies, and ultra-widefield imaging technology was created for use. This newer method allows for less invasive and quicker imaging to best suit patients.
If you have any further questions about the technologies we use, then contact our Prairie Eye Care team for more information. Contact our clinic today to set up your next eye exam in order to keep your eyes healthy and look out for symptoms through early detection. You can also book your appointment online now!