With all of the technological advances in eye care, there are many ways to visualize the eye and a retina scan is often offered during an eye examination. A retina scan is another name for a photograph of the retina. Is it really needed? Is it worth the money? The answers to these important questions depend on the circumstances of the eye exam.
For routine eye exams in which the patient has no symptoms of a retinal condition, a retina scan may not be necessary. Important symptoms of retinal problems include: straight lines looking crooked, a blind spot or missing area in the vision, a loss of peripheral vision. If these symptoms are present, a retina scan or a referral to a retinal specialist may be in order.
The following are scans that may be ordered by the eye doctor:
An examination of the retina is included in a complete eye exam without further charge. A retina scan is sometimes used as an additional step (with additional charges) if the examining doctor is not comfortable with his/her ability to diagnose a retinal condition. The cost of a retina scan may be avoided in some cases by choosing an eye doctor who is comfortable examining the dilated eye for retinal problems without the use of a scan.
By Scott E. Pautler, MD
For a telemedicine consultation with Dr Pautler, please send email request to spautler@rvaf.com. We accept Medicare and most insurances in Florida. We accept self-pay for all. Please include contact information (including phone number) in the email.
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