The retina is a thin layer at the back of the eye that consists of millions of cells and is very sensitive to light. The function of the retina is very vital, therefore you need to have an annual eye exam or what is known as a retinal screening to monitor eye health. Not only that, but regular eye examinations are also useful for finding signs of certain eye diseases. One should know-how is the retina screening process when to do it and where can you do optometrist eye screening singapore.
Understanding retina screening
Retina screening is an examination of the entire retinal area to detect any indications of disorders of the eye organs. With age, the function of the retina of the eye will decline. Visual disorders such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, hypertensive or diabetic retinopathy, and other eye diseases may not have symptoms at an early stage. Symptoms that are difficult to recognize is very risky to get help too late when your vision begins to interfere. So it is advisable to know its importance and get screening done.
Who needs retina screening
Most of these screenings are recommended for patients with the following conditions:
- Diabetes
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina. Over time, high blood sugar can cause blindness. Diabetic patients are advised to do screening once a year.
- Macular degeneration
The central part of the retina is called the macula. As we age, the macula is damaged, causing blurred vision and difficulty focusing. In general, macular degeneration consists of two types, namely wet and dry. By far, dry macular degeneration is the most common form (about 90% of cases). The cause is the accumulation of residual metabolic products of retinal cells under the retinal layer, thus disrupting retinal function due to a combination of age, genetics, and lifestyle/environmental factors.
While for wet macular degeneration iscaused by abnormal blood vessels that grow under the retina which is also accompanied by genetic susceptibility and age. This condition causes the patient to lose sight more quickly. Retina screening is very important to do to determine this type of macular degeneration.
- Glaucoma
Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and cause blindness. This is due to fluid that builds up in front of the eye, increasing pressure on the eyeball and putting pressure on the optic nerve.
- Retinal toxicity
Continuous use of the arthritis drug hydroxychloroquine can be toxic and damage your retina.
- Deteriorating vision
When the patient complains of worsening of vision with no known cause, the doctor will recommend retinal screening.
Your eye is a sense whose function is very vital. Therefore, you should take care of your eye health by doing regular checkups.
