Retina
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What is the retina and why is it important?
Light has to travel through the eye before it reaches the retina. The retina is a clear, light-sensitive covering that lines the inside of the eye.
One might think of it as the “film inside a camera” that takes the images you see and sends them along the optic nerve to the brain, where the “pictures” you see are interpreted as vision.
Prompt detection of disease in the retina is important to begin treatment, stop its progress and/or avoid permanent damage to your vision.
Diagnosing retina conditions
A healthy retina is essential to maintaining clear vision and overall eye functioning. A diagnostic retinal exam may be recommended if any potential retinal abnormalities are detected during a general eye exam. Patients at a higher risk for developing retinal conditions may also be recommended for examination.
During a retinal exam and consultation, your doctor will perform a series of diagnostic procedures in order to evaluate the retina for any signs of disease or abnormality. These tests may include a visual field test, fluorescein angiography, fundus photography and more.
At North Toronto Eye Care, our most precise, detailed retinal results are produced by the Cirrus OCT system. Cirrus Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an advanced testing system that allows your doctor to clearly see the inside of the eye to detect and treat a variety of conditions before they progress. This is a noninvasive imaging technology that allows for the evaluation and overall management of retinal disease.
A detailed image of the eye is created with this system in order to visualize the thickness of the retina, macula and optic nerve and accurately detect any potential retinal problems in their earliest stages.
According to a study by Healio, studies have identified the efficacy of OCTA in the evaluation of diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and retinal vascular occlusions, with many other studies ongoing.
California ICG
OPTOS California ICG: The OPTOS California ICG is a wide-field retinal imaging device, providing optomap imagery of the entire retina. This device has shown to allow eyecare professionals to see 50% more of the retina compared to conventional imaging devices, giving our team the ability to better view the retina and provide an accurate diagnosis of retinal health.
Age-related macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that causes your central vision to blur due to damage of the macula, which is the part of your eye that helps you see the intricate detail of what you’re focusing on. Patients may experience anything from a blurry, gray or distorted area to a blind spot in the center of vision.
It is crucial to maintaining overall eye health to help prevent age-related macular degeneration, with risk factors including smoking, excessive UV exposure, unhealthy diet and exercise habits, or genetics. Regular eye exams also play an imperative role for early detection and treatment of AMD.
Laser treatment
Our office is now equipped with a Diode Retinal Laser, allowing our doctors to perform the most advanced and effective laser procedures as needed.
Laser procedures provide quick, painless treatment for many different retinal conditions, including macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. These procedures can now be performed directly in the office during your regular appointment, eliminating the hassle of other treatments.
For more information on retina conditions and treatment, please contact us at North Toronto Eye Care today.
