Digital retinal imaging is a quick, painless way to capture a detailed photograph of the retina — the back of the eye where vision starts. The images become part of your medical record so we can compare them year-over-year and detect even subtle changes. Retinal imaging supplements (and sometimes replaces) traditional dilated exams for many patients, especially those who prefer not to be dilated.
Who it's for
- All adult patients at routine eye exams
- Patients with diabetes (annual imaging is standard of care)
- Patients with a family history of macular degeneration or glaucoma
- Patients who prefer to skip dilation when clinically appropriate
What's included
- High-resolution color photographs of the retina
- Documentation in your electronic medical record
- Comparison to prior images to detect changes
- Review of findings with you during the exam
What to Expect
- 1
The imaging itself takes about 30 seconds per eye.
- 2
No dilation is required for retinal imaging.
- 3
Some insurance plans cover retinal imaging; others charge a small additional fee.
Why this matters
Year-over-year retinal images create a baseline that lets us spot the earliest changes from diseases like diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma — often before symptoms develop.