A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words – Retinal Imaging

What is a fundus camera?

A fundus camera (or a retinal camera) is a specialized camera with a microscope that takes a picture of the inside of the eye. It captures an image of the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels.

Why is it important?

A picture of the retina allows the doctor to analyze the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels in great detail. It is used to screen for, diagnose, and monitor eye diseases. The doctor will keep this image on your file, and will be able to use it as a comparison for future eye exams to see if there have been any changes.

Who should have a retinal image?

• EVERYONE! Patients of most ages (starting from age 5/6) and older.
• Diabetes – Fundus photos are especially important in identifying, diagnosing, and monitoring for the presence of diabetic retinopathy (which is a complication of diabetes that occurs in the retina that may or may not have symptoms.)
• High blood pressure – Fundus photos allow the doctor to analyze the blood vessels in great detail to screen for, diagnose, and monitor hypertensive retinopathy (which is a complication of high blood pressure that occurs in the retina that may or may not have symptoms).
• Family history of eye conditions – for example: glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc. Fundus photos allow the doctor screen for eye diseases that affect the blood vessels, retinal tissue, and optic nerve.