Roughly 90 million Americans are at a high risk for vision loss, but only half have visited an eye specialist in the last year. Most eye conditions start with no symptoms or mild symptoms until they advance in their later stages, keeping people clueless about what might be happening with their loss until it is too late.
You can successfully treat eye conditions when caught early, but without awareness of what is happening, you could damage your vision. Take diabetic retinopathy, for example, a condition that damages blood vessels in the retina due to elevated blood sugar levels in the blood. When discovered early, even lifestyle changes, such as reducing carbohydrates, can be beneficial; however, once symptoms already appear, damage may already be irreversible.
To help you prevent these issues, our experts at Beeve Vision Care Center utilize the latest diagnostic and detection tools, such as the Optomap retinal exam. This cutting-edge imaging technology is non-invasive, doesn’t require dilation of the pupils, and helps detect signs of disease far earlier than traditional methods, often before any vision changes get noticed.
Read on to find out how this technology can prevent vision loss.
The machine on which you look uses ultra-widefield imaging to capture a 200-degree view of the retina in a single shot, more than four times wider than traditional imaging. This step enables Dr. Beeve to see parts of your retina that are difficult to observe, especially the outer edges, where early signs of disease can be hiding.
During the exam, you look into the machine one eye at a time, without the need for pupil dilation in most cases, which means you won’t experience blurry vision or light sensitivity afterward.
The panoramic image can detect early signs of macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal tears or detachments, diabetic retinopathy, and eye changes with elevated blood pressure.
Another key benefit of the Optomap is its ability to create a permanent record of your retinal health. With each visit, we can compare your new scan to previous ones and spot subtle changes that may signal the start of a problem, often before symptoms appear.
The Optomap retinal exam is fast, painless, and comfortable for patients of all ages. And most importantly, you get peace of mind knowing that your eyes get examined with one of the most advanced technologies available.
To get a close view of your eye health and prevent issues before they arise, contact us to schedule an appointment online or by phone today. A yearly exam can help you stay ahead of the game and protect your vision for a lifetime.
