Optovue iWellness retina health screening:
The iWellness scan is an easy-to-read report that displays the thickness of your retina and your ganglion cell complex as compared to a database of normal eyes. These metrics along with a high-resolution image and symmetry analysis help to identify if you are displaying the early signs of retinal disease or glaucoma.
Diabetic macular edema (DME):
High blood sugar weakens the blood vessels which can cause them to leak or grow out of control; termed diabetic retinopathy. The leakage of fluid causing swelling of the surrounding tissue, including the macula. Diabetic macular edema is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetic retinopathy.
Macular Degeneration (AMD):
AMD is a common eye condition and a leading cause of vision loss among people age 50 and older. It causes damage to the macula; the "bulls-eye" of our vision, the part of the retina used for sharp, central vision (reading, driving, etc).
In some instances, AMD advances very slowly and vision loss does not occur for a long time. In others, the disease progresses very rapidly and a loss of vision in one or both eyes can happen quickly. As AMD progresses, a blurred or distorted area near the center of vision is a common symptom. Also, objects may not appear to be as bright as they used to be.
Glaucoma:
Glaucoma is a group of ocular diseases where the optic nerve, the connection between the eye and the brain, becomes damaged, usually due to elevated intraocular eye pressure (eye pressure), resulting in progressive loss of vision and eventually blindness.
There are few, if any symptoms early in the disease process, and unfortunately any vision loss is permanent. Early detection is essential in controlling this condition.
Traumatic Macular Hole:
Traumatic injuries of the eye can damage the retina as well as the exterior of the eye. The OCT helps our eye doctors determine the extent of the trauma and help decide on the best course of treatment.
In this instance, a soccer ball caused a traumatic macular hole, a rupture of the central portion of the retina, responsible for clear central vision. Fortunately, with surgical intervention, a full recovery was obtained.
