Process of Retinal Exams

A retina exam is focused on the back of the eye. For this reason, the doctor will spend a lot of time looking through your pupil at the vitreous, retina and other structures located inside the back portion of the eye.

The following methods are normally used in diagnosing retina problems:

• Indirect ophthalmoscopy uses a specialized microscope that allows the doctor to observe the vitreous, retina and other internal structures in the eye. The ophthalmoscope is probably the first instrument you will see used by the doctor during your exam because it provides an overview of the situation.

• A visual field or perimetry test measures the ability of your eye to see straight ahead and to the side (peripheral vision). During a visual field test, one eye is temporarily covered and the patient is asked to look straight ahead at a fixed space. There are two kinds of tests: a moving target test and a fixed target test.

Macular degeneration is a common retinal disease that is often associated with aging. It is caused by a degeneration of the photoreceptors in the macula or central region of the retina, the area responsible for central, straight-ahead vision such as that used for reading and seeing faces.

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachments can be caused by disease or injury. Here, a segment of the retina becomes separated or peels away from the back wall of the eye. Unless treated promptly, this condition can result in immediate loss of vision.

Vitreous disorders are usually characterized by “floaters” or cloudy vision. Floaters are particles that float in the vitreous and cast shadows on the retina. They appear to be strung together with a web-like thread. Some floaters are formed before birth, while others occur normally with aging. The sudden appearance of many floaters can be an indication of a serious eye disorder and should be checked by an eye doctor.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially serious complication of diabetes that results in the weakening of tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina. These vessels may leak causing a variety of complications including the formation of scar tissue on the retina and a decrease in nourishment to the retina or blood in the vitreous humor (fluid that fills the inner cavity of the eye) causing cloudy vision. If the condition is not caught and treated during the early stages, it can lead to blindness.