The clinical assessment

Your images are assessed and graded according to approved clinical standards.

Glaucoma

The clinical graders will use the images to take a very close look at your optic disc. This is the part of the retina through which all of your blood vessels and nerves connect to your retina. In the case of glaucoma the optic nerve head can become damaged and your Optometrist will suggest that you should seek medical intervention. This normally involves the use of drugs that lower the pressure in the eye and relieve the condition. Failure to receive proper treatment can result in vision loss.

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

As the name suggests this tends to affect people over 50 years of age. Although the causes of the disease are not completely understood, it is known that there are people who have a genetic predisposition for the condition. The Retasure® Clinical Assessment Centre will examine your macular which is the part of the retina that gives you all of your detailed vision, with AMD small deposits called drusen can appear in this area and the disease can progress quite rapidly. There is a growing range of treatment options that are available for the various types of AMD and if necessary your Ophthalmologist will tell you how this condition will be treated.

Mild non-proliferative retinopathy

This is a very early stage of the disease and generally is an indication that you need to improve your body’s blood glucose level more carefully. The specialist will look for tiny blood vessel abnormalities called microaneurysms.

Moderate non-proliferative retinopathy

This is the next stage of the disease. It is generally not too serious but does mean you definitely need to take better care of your diabetes.

Severe non-proliferative retinopathy

This normally shows that a number of tiny blood vessels are damaged by the increased and sustained level of glucose in your blood

Proliferative retinopathy

This is a condition that does mean you need to see an Ophthalmologist and he or she will conduct a number of specialist tests that will require some clinical intervention. Your eye doctor will decide what procedures you will need but you should not delay medical attention if the disease has progressed this far.

Take care of yourself

Your eyes' health is very important and prevention and early detection of disease is critical. You should pay regular visits to your Optometrist who is well qualified and has a number of specialised instruments that are used to assess your visual risk. All of the diseases discussed here are increasing in the general population and the Retasure® service is specifically designed to help you and your eye care provider take better care of eye conditions that may not be apparent to you. Do not wait until you notice any deterioration in your vision. If you are at risk or if you simply want peace of mind please ask your healthcare provider about Retasure®. The best possible care is the care you take of yourself.