Your eyes are more than just a window to the world - they can also provide valuable insight into your overall health. Many eye diseases begin without noticeable symptoms, which means regular retinal screenings are essential for early detection and treatment. At Patel Vision Group, we use advanced technology, including Optomap® retinal imaging, to examine the back of the eye and detect potential problems long before they affect your vision.

Why Retinal Imaging Matters

The retina is a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that plays a vital role in vision. Traditional eye exams provide important information about your eyesight, but they don’t always reveal the full picture of your eye health. Retinal imaging allows your optometrist to capture a detailed, wide-field image of the retina, helping to identify conditions that may otherwise go unnoticed. Through this painless, non-invasive process, your doctor can monitor changes in your eye health over time and detect warning signs of systemic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Eye Conditions Detected Through Retinal Imaging

Retinal imaging can reveal a variety of eye conditions, including:

• Diabetic Retinopathy - Caused by damage to blood vessels in the retina due to diabetes, this condition can lead to vision loss if untreated.

• Macular Degeneration - A leading cause of vision impairment in adults over 50, it affects the central portion of the retina responsible for detailed vision.

• Retinal Detachment or Tears - Retinal imaging can identify small tears or areas of thinning before they progress into a serious detachment.

• Glaucoma - This condition damages the optic nerve, often without symptoms in its early stages. Retinal imaging helps detect subtle changes in nerve structure.

• Hypertensive Retinopathy - High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which can be visible during a retinal exam.

The Benefits of Optomap® Retinal Screening

At Patel Vision Group, we use Optomap® retinal imaging, which captures more than 80% of your retina in a single panoramic image - far more than traditional methods. The benefits include:

• Comprehensive View - Provides a wider and more detailed look at your retina.

• Early Detection - Helps identify diseases before symptoms develop.

• Comfort and Convenience - The scan is quick, painless, and does not require dilating drops in most cases.

• Ongoing Monitoring - Allows for side-by-side comparisons at each visit to track changes over time.

Keep Your Eyes Healthy with Advanced Retinal Imaging

Retinal imaging is one of the most powerful tools available for preserving lifelong vision. Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, regular retinal screenings can help ensure that hidden eye diseases are detected early, when they’re most treatable.

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with retinal imaging at Patel Vision Group to protect your vision and maintain your eye health for years to come. Visit our office in Visalia, Redding, Roseville, Monterey, Salinas, Sacramento, Fresno, or Fair Oaks, California. Call (559) 739-8550, (530) 221-6557, (916) 788-2960, (831) 375-7755, (831) 443-5250, (916) 629-8033, (559) 538-1567, (916) 966-4700, or (559) 500-7685 to book your appointment today.