Name of the Procedure:

Imaging of Retina for Detection or Monitoring of Disease; with Remote Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional Interpretation and Report, Unilateral or Bilateral

Summary

Retinal imaging involves taking detailed pictures of the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) to detect or monitor conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases. The images are interpreted remotely by a physician or another qualified health care professional, who provides a report on the findings.

Purpose

The procedure is used to:

• Detect early signs of retinal diseases.
• Monitor progression or improvement of identified conditions.
• Provide a baseline for future comparisons.

Indications

Retinal imaging may be indicated for:

• Symptoms such as blurred vision, eye floaters, or visual disturbances.
• Patients with risk factors for eye diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of retinal conditions.
• Routine eye examination for individuals over a certain age or those with chronic health conditions affecting the eyes.

Preparation

• No special preparation is usually required.
• Patients may be advised to avoid activities that might dilate the pupils shortly before the procedure.

Procedure Description

1. The patient will be seated comfortably in front of a retinal camera.
2. Eye drops may be administered to dilate the pupils for a clearer view.
3. The camera takes high-resolution images of the retina.
4. These images are then sent electronically to a remote physician or another qualified health care professional.
5. The healthcare professional interprets the images and compiles a detailed report on the findings.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes, including any waiting time for pupil dilation.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in an outpatient clinic, ophthalmologist's office, or specialized eye care center.

Personnel

• Ophthalmologist or optometrist to take the images.
• Remote physician or another qualified health care professional to interpret and report on the images.

Risks and Complications

• Temporary discomfort or blurred vision due to pupil dilation.
• Rare allergic reactions to the dilation drops.
• Minimal risk of eye infection from the imaging equipment.

Benefits

• Early detection of serious eye conditions, potentially preserving vision.
• Accurate monitoring of disease progression or treatment efficacy.
• Non-invasive and quick procedure with immediate feedback.

Recovery

• Patients may experience temporary sensitivity to light and blurred vision after dilation.
• They should avoid driving until their vision returns to normal, typically within a few hours.
• Follow-up appointments may be suggested based on the findings.

Alternatives

• Direct ophthalmoscopy, where a physician examines the retina using an ophthalmoscope.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a more detailed retinal imaging technique.
• Pros and cons of alternatives: Direct ophthalmoscopy offers immediate examination but may not be as detailed; OCT provides more detailed images but can be more expensive and time-consuming.

Patient Experience

• The patient can expect little to no discomfort during imaging.
• Mild stinging from dilation drops and temporary blurred vision may occur.
• Comfort measures include providing sunglasses to reduce sensitivity to light post-procedure.