Dr. Stephen Sullivan and Kari Crompton

Eye Health Vision Center has become the first and only practice in Southeastern Massachusetts to incorporate Digital Retinal Imaging (DRI) into a routine eye examination. This revolutionary technology is the world's first system that allows almost the entire retina to be scanned and viewed through an undilated pupil. The DRI facilitates the early diagnosis and treatment of potentially sight threatening diseases. Up until now, only through dilation of the pupil could retinal pathology be adequately diagnosed. Pupil dilation often causes patients to have blurred vision and sensitivity to light for several hours after their eye examination.

Any routine eye exam should always include a careful look at the retina, which is located at the back of the eye, 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.

Eye Health, in its continuing effort to bring the most advanced technology available to its patients, recently equipped 15 of its exam rooms with computers, keyboards and plasma computer screens in order to allow the patient to view the DRI of their own retina one-on-one with the doctor. The image is taken at a central screening area by the technician and can then be viewed in any of the 15 exam rooms. The patient's retinal images are then displayed on an 18" computer screen where the doctor is then able to analyze and review the health of the retina with the patient.

Unlike traditional retinal photography, which had to be taken through a dilated pupil and which only displayed the central rear portion of the retina, the DRI provides a 200° (85%) view of the retina. 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, magnifying the image, and viewing it through two different laser light sources. 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.

The Digital Retinal Imaging exam is the brainchild of Douglas Anderson who founded Optos after his son lost sight in one eye at the age of five due to a retinal detachment that went undetected using conventional exam techniques. These conventional techniques were uncomfortable for a child, making it nearly impossible to ensure a complete and thorough examination. Distressed by the diagnostic methods available at the time, Anderson was determined to discover an easier, more competent and patient-friendly way to examine the retina.

Consider These Facts About Eye Disease

• More than 1.1 million Americans are legally blind. An additional 50,000 people lose their sight each year, yet nearly half of all blindness can be prevented.
• Blindness is the number one complication of people with diabetes - diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of new cases of blindness.
• People over the age of 65 have a 30 percent chance of developing age related macular degeneration (AMD), which gradually destroys sharp, central vision - AMD is the leading cause of blindness for those aged 55 and older in the U.S.

Earlier detection of any retinal abnormality leads to earlier and safer treatment and in many cases can prevent vision loss. Very much like a dental X-ray or a mammogram, the DRI should be performed at regular intervals so that changes over time can be easily detected and documented. Like dental X-rays or mammograms, a complete retinal evaluation should be done yearly regardless of symptoms to allow the doctor to observe subtle changes occurring with age. Most eye conditions, like an early dental cavity or breast cancer, have no symptoms in their early stages.

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.

Eye Health Vision Centers services 75,000 patient encounters annually at four locations, including four Optical Shops. The practice's mission is to continue its pre-eminent position as the Center Of Eye Care Excellence throughout SouthEastern Massachusetts and Greater Aquidneck Island, RI area. With 12 Ophthalmologists, 17 Optometrists, 16 Opticians, and a full time professional Audiology staff, Eye Health is vertically integrated to cover all areas of eye care and eye wear, as well as addressing the hearing needs of our patients. The practice provides all products, services and eye care needs from a routine eye exam to the most complex eye surgery. Eye Health also operates its own Ambulatory SurgiCenter and performs Laser Vision Correction at its headquarters location on Route 6 in N. Dartmouth. Satellite offices are serviced in Fairhaven, Taunton and Middletown, RI. Eye Health's motto is "Total Eyecare by Total Professionals". It employs Doctors in all Ophthalmic specialties, thereby offering a wide array of products and services includes Retina, Cornea, Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, Refractive Surgery, Pediatric Eye and Hearing Services, LASIK Vision Correction, Cataract & Implant Surgery, Glaucoma therapy & Corneal Transplantation, Diabetic, Retinal & Laser Surgery, and Lids, Lacrimal & Oculoplastic Surgery.