During the first eye exam, we include the retina examination. In our opinion, it is an indispensable complement allowing us to catch in time any warning signs of diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and other conditions.

Using a sophisticated device, your optometrist takes a photograph of your retina (retinography). In other words, is it the thin membrane lining the eyeball. Afterwards, the professional performs an optical coherence tomography (OCT), which provides highly accurate imaging of your retina. 

The objective for your specialist here is to think of any anomaly that could mean the presence of an eye disease. 

Don’t worry; the process is completely safe and painless. Only special eye drops should be placed on your eyeball to dilate your pupil and allow optimal imaging. This eyewash, also called a dilated eye exam, is only done if abnormalities are detected and you want to explore further into the periphery of the retina. This test is not included in the digital eye exam. Your vision could be blurred, thus increasing the sensitivity to light allowing this dilation. However, everything falls into place in the following hours of your appointment.

Some individuals are more likely than others to develop retinal-related disorders such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. If in doubt, it is always wise to visit your optometrist. Furthermore, if you answer ‘’yes’’ to one or more of these questions, we suggest that you plan your visit with us: 

• Are you diabetic?
• Do you have a history of eye diseases such as macular degeneration in your family?
• Are you over 65?
• Have you noticed any changes in your field of vision recently? (colored spots or dots that don’t seem to go away)