Retina Test: Purpose, Procedure and Cost

How do we see the beautiful world around us? It is through the intricate and coordinated mechanism of our eyes. While the iris and cornea are well-known parts, the retina is another vital component. It acts as a screen at the back of the eye where images are projected. Photoreceptors on the retina convert these images into signals that are sent to the brain via the optic nerve.

If the retina is damaged, the images you perceive may not be clear, complete, or even visible. Unfortunately, much of this damage can go unnoticed because the symptoms are not always obvious. This is why regular retina tests are so important.

What is a Retina Test?

A retina test, also known as retinal imaging, is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses high-resolution digital imaging to evaluate the health of the retina, the macula (the part of the retina responsible for detailed vision), and the optic nerve.

This test helps in the early detection of retinal problems and provides a record of how a condition may be progressing over time. This information is crucial for implementing preventative care and creating effective management plans for various eye conditions.

Why is a Retina Test Done?

Regular retina testing is essential for the early detection of issues before they cause irreversible vision loss. Retinal damage is often not obvious because visual changes can be mistakenly attributed to other factors.

A retina test is often recommended to:

•  Detect retinal problems caused by conditions like diabetes, glaucoma, or macular degeneration
•  Assess retinal health before a cataract surgery
•  Help manage chronic eye conditions by tracking their progression

Who Should Get a Retina Test?

A retina test is a powerful tool for early detection. You should consider a regular retina test if you belong to any of the following groups:

1. Adults over 50: Your retina and optic nerves can weaken with age, increasing your risk of conditions like macular degeneration.
2. Individuals with pre-existing conditions: This includes those with diabetes, who are at high risk for diabetic retinopathy, and those with high myopia, which increases the risk of retinal detachment. Hypertension can also affect retinal blood vessels.
3. Those with a family history of retinal diseases or chronic eye conditions.
4. Anyone experiencing sudden changes in vision, such as blurred vision, black spots, shadows, or night blindness.

Retina Test Procedure: What to Expect

The procedure for a retina test is straightforward, non-invasive, and not painful.

Preparation: Your pupils will be dilated with eye drops to provide a clear view of your retina.

The Scan: You will be asked to place your chin and forehead on a supported stand. You will look straight ahead into the machine as it takes a series of high-resolution digital images of your retina. These images are immediately sent to a computer for analysis by your doctor. Likewise, your doctor may also manually check your retina in his OPD clinic using various lenses and instruments.

After the Test: Your vision may be blurry or sensitive to light for a few hours due to the eye drops. It is advised to avoid driving, reading, or using screens until your vision returns to normal.

Common Retinal Imaging Techniques

Colour Fundus Photos: 

This method uses a fundus camera to capture high-resolution images of the back of your eye. It provides a detailed view of the retina and its blood vessels. The images can be useful for identifying conditions like diabetic retinopathy.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): 

OCT uses near-infrared light to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the retina. This allows your doctor to see the different layers of the retina and is excellent for identifying macular degeneration.

Fluorescein Angiography: 

This is a minimally invasive procedure where a dye is injected into your arm. As the dye travels through the blood vessels, including those in the eye, a special camera takes pictures. This helps your doctor identify blockages or leakages in the blood vessels.

Retina Test for Diabetic Patients

For individuals with diabetes, high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in and around the retina, a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. This damage is often permanent, and new blood vessels may not grow properly, further affecting retinal health.

Because of this significant risk, a regular retina test is often a prescribed part of diabetes management. Early detection through a retina test can help doctors recommend treatments such as laser therapy or injections to prevent further damage. An annual diabetic retinopathy test is highly recommended.

Retina Test Cost

The cost of a retina test can vary depending on your location, the clinic, and the specific tests recommended. A typical price can range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 3000, while more advanced tests may cost more. Some comprehensive eye check-up packages may include a retina test.