Eye doctors strongly advise that patients get retinal photos taken as a part of their annual eye examination. These are photos of your optic nerve and retina, which can be used to diagnose a variety of diseases. Some of those conditions include diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Retinal photos should be taken on people on all ages. They are a great tool that can help keep track of one’s eye health. These photos will be placed inside of a person’s patient file. They can also be sent to one’s primary care physician. High blood pressure, diabetes and other medical conditions can affect one’s vision. That is why they have to be monitored consistently.
Did You Know?
Glaucoma is a condition that occurs as the result of damage to the optic nerve. If it is left untreated, then it will lead to irreversible vision loss. Glaucoma is the top cause of blindness in African-Americans. Diabetes and other health problems can increase the risk of this condition. Additionally, people who have a family history of this condition are at a greater risk for developing it.
Macular degeneration is the top cause of blindness in people who are over the age of 65. This condition affects central vision. It is sometimes referred to as age-related macular degeneration.
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common diabetic complications. It occurs when diabetes causes damage to the retina. It is the top cause of blindness in adults who are of working age. Managing one’s condition is one of the key things that can be done to prevent diabetic complications.
You should make sure that you ask your eye doctor about retinal photos during your next eye examination. Your eye doctor will also provide you with tips on things that you can do to keep your eyes healthy.