Dr. Stephen F. Sullivan reviews a DRI with clinic manager Kari Crompton.

In January 2007 Eye Health Vision Centers updated it digital retinal imaging systems to take advantage of the latest Synemed imaging technology and the EyeScape software innovations. Digital retinal imaging (DRI) is a high resolution photographic system which details the retina and can be used to establish a wellness baseline and to follow critical retinal developments throughout life. The resolution (detail) of the new retinal images has been increased 10 fold over Eye Health’s previous imaging system and now allows the doctors at Eye Health to get even more detailed information about macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

DRI was introduced at Eye Health in late 2003 and is available at our Dartmouth, Middletown and Taunton offices. All 45 exam rooms are linked by a live computer-network which integrates the clinical data not only from that day but from previous years if available. Patients can view their baseline retinal images with their eye doctor, and the doctors in turn can share these images with colleagues for the purpose of consultations. Repeat yearly imaging of patients allow the doctors to monitor the changes of age or disease in their patients.

Any routine eye exam should always include a careful assessment of the retina to screen for abnormalities or disease. The sensitive tissue that makes up the retina is susceptible to a variety of diseases that can ultimately lead to partial loss of vision or even complete blindness. Early detection of any retinal abnormality is thus crucial.

Of particular concern to the doctors at Eye Health are retinal problems like macular degeneration, retinal holes or detachments; and systemic diseases like diabetes, arteriosclerosis, lupus and hypertension. These conditions, which often develop without warning or symptoms, are progressive and can lead to serious health and eye problems including partial loss of vision or blindness.

The doctor, along with the patient, can manipulate the digital image by “dragging” any portion of the photo into a central position on the screen, and magnifying the image. This allows the doctor to selectively visualize the various layers of the retina independently and to detect and diagnose pathology earlier. Images from previous years can be placed side-by-side on the computer screen for comparison with that day’s DRI. These images can also be e-mailed to other physicians for consultation or when a patient moves out of the area.

Most eye conditions have no symptoms in their early stages (similar to an early dental cavity or breast cancer). Earlier detection of any retinal abnormality leads to earlier and safer treatment and in many cases can prevent vision loss. Thus very much like a dental X-ray or a mammogram, the DRI should be performed at regular yearly intervals so that changes over time can be easily detected and documented.

Good vision does not necessarily imply good eye health. Yearly documentation of the status of the retina is a critical part of a yearly eye wellness exam. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The doctors at Eye Health are proud to be the first in the area to provide DRI and offer their patients improved and more convenient eye care.