What is a Retinal Exam?

A retinal exam is a medical procedure performed by an eye doctor to evaluate the health of the retina, which is the light and image-sensing film that lines the back (inside) of the eye. There are also specialized ophthalmologists, called Retina Specialists, who have completed additional years of training and focus on diseases and problems with the retina.  The exam typically involves several steps:

1. Visual Acuity Test: This checks how well you see at various distances using an eye chart.

2. Pupil Dilation: Eye drops are used to dilate (widen) your pupils, allowing the examiner to see the retina more clearly.  These drops can make you temporarily more sensitive to light and make your near vision blurry for a few hours.

3. Dilated Fundus Exam: Using a special instrument called a slit lamp, which is a specialized microscope mounted on a table with a headrest, or an indirect ophthalmoscope which the examiner wears on his/her head, the eye care professional examines the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels at the back of the eye. This can reveal signs of various eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment.  This exam uses bright light, but is not invasive or painful.

4. Photography or Imaging: In some cases, retinal photography or other imaging techniques (like OCT - Optical Coherence Tomography) may be used to capture detailed images of the retina, providing a more in-depth assessment.

A retinal exam is crucial for detecting eye diseases early, often before noticeable symptoms appear, and for monitoring conditions that can affect vision and eye health. It is recommended for individuals of all ages, especially those with a family history of eye diseases or those with certain medical conditions like diabetes.