As an ongoing commitment for providing state-of-the-art technology, Dr. Wexler and staff are pleased to inform you of our latest addition to the office that will help assure a much more complete eye exam. This optional test is calledDIGITAL RETINAL IMAGING where remarkably clear and enlarged photograph images are taken of the back of your eyes (the retina, optic nerve, blood vessels, and other parts). Together, you and the Doctor will view the images of the inside of your own eyes and talk about the results. Dr. Wexler can instantly evaluate the retina tissue for a wide range of problems, some of which include:
● Diabetes of the retina ● Retinal detachment ● Vein/artery disease ● Glaucoma ● Cholesterol buildup
● Tumors ● Macular degeneration
● Blood leakage
Advantages of DIGITAL RETINAL IMAGING:
· Nothing touches your eyes, and no eye drops are needed · The retina image can be magnified approximately 600% with a 10.2 mega pixel Nikon Digital Camera producing a retinal image about 16" in diameter. · The images can be enhanced using sophisticated software to highlight details of your eye for study · As easy as getting your picture taken · Takes less than 5 minutes to capture the retinal images . Your images are evaluated at the time the photos are taken and presented to you with a thorough explanation · Images are stored forever and can be compared to future photos taken (here or elsewhere) to study normal and abnormal changes to the health of the eyes
We strongly recommend all patients receive this test, especially those with a history or family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, “floaters”, macular degeneration, glaucoma, severe headaches, pregnant women, highly nearsighted or farsighted individuals, or those who haven’t had an eye exam in two years or more.
If you provide your own blank CD or portable thumb drive, Dr. Wexler will copy your images so you can have your them as a reference at home.
HOW DO DIGITAL RETINAL IMAGES DIFFER FROM THE STANDARD "DILATION" EXAM?
If a dilated eye exam is performed rather than digital retinal imaging, the standard procedure is as follows: 1. Internal eye pressure is checked using the "air puff" test. 2. Three eye drops are placed in each eye, the first being an anesthetic which mildly stings the eyes. 3. After 15-20 minutes, your pupils will be adequately dilated. 4. The doctor evaluates each retina by placing your chin in a microscope unit and observes the inside of your eye (retina) holding a high powered magnifier. The light from the microscope appears quite bright. 5. During the evaluation, the doctor pauses often to record the findings on paper. 6. After evaluating the eyes, the doctor discusses the findings and management plan with you. 7. You are given special sunglasses to protect your eyes and told that you will be very sensitive to lights and won't be able to see well up close and some mild decrease in vision far away for 4-6 hours. You also may feel a bit awkward or unbalanced. The side effects completely go away after 4-6 hours. 8. The entire dilation experience in the office takes 30-35 minutes in addition to the regular eye exam for glasses or contact lenses.
