If you have myopia of more than 3 diopters or have ever had to be treated for retinal changes or previous examinations have revealed a retinal risk, you are statistically at higher risk for developing retinal detachment (ablatio retinae, amotio retinae). You should then attend a retinal screening (synonym: retinopathy check).
Long before the actual retinal detachment, changes in the outer retina (ablatio precursors) occur in some of the affected patients.This occurs to a greater extent in myopic or high-risk patients.
The procedure
These changes in the outer retina can usually only be detected with a very wide pupil.To do this, eye drops are used to dilate your pupils (mydriasis). This procedure takes at least 20-30 minutes. Afterwards, you will be increasingly blinded for about 3-4 hours and your vision may be temporarily blurred, so that you will not be able to drive your car home by yourself.
If the retinal examination (ophthalmoscopy) reveals diseases that require further clarification or treatment, your statutory health insurance will cover the necessary costs.Together with the retinal examination, a glaucoma screening (glaucoma = green star) can also be performed, for which an eye pressure measurement (tonometry) is required in addition to the examination of the fundus of the eye.
Regular retinal examination is required for the following health risks or diseases:
- Nearsightedness of more than 3 diopters.
- Ablatio retinae (retinal detachment)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Macular degeneration – loss of central visual acuity.
- Eye injuries
- Cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Severe inflammation of the eye
- Cortisone treatment
- Smoking
- Age over 65 years
New study results indicate that retinopathy (retinal disease) is an independent risk factor for developing heart failure (heart failure).
Benefit
Regular retinal screenings can help ensure that health risks and diseases are detected early and treated as a precaution.Possible changes in the retina itself can be treated immediately by an ophthalmologist.
