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Camera to focus on better eye care
Neighbours in Washington are seeing better than ever before thanks to new technology.
Customers at Specsavers in The Galleries are benefiting from the installation of a special new camera.
The new equipment will play an imperative role in the early diagnosis and prevention of many eye conditions.
As well as being a potential sight saver, the fundus camera will also help people to understand the outcome of their test, and provide a lasting record which can be used for comparison purposes.
The eye's fundus is the only part of the human body where the microcirculation of the blood can be observed directly.
The specialised low-power biomicroscope has an attached camera used to photograph the retina. It broadens the testing process to provide a health assessment of each patient's whole visual system, enabling the detection of a range of conditions, including glaucoma, diabetes and inflammatory disorders.
The Washington branch of the store has invested in the technology to ensure customers are examined thoroughly.
Robin Stuart, director at the store, said: "Everyone will benefit from this service and will be able to access eyecare that is appropriate to their needs.
"Many people are unaware that the quality of their eyes can deteriorate rapidly.
"We advise all our customers to have their eyes tested every two years or earlier if warranted, and having the fundus camera will help us quickly identify any deterioration in the quality of a patient's sight and allow us to act upon that quickly.
"There are particular at-risk groups. They include the over-60s and people with a family history of glaucoma."
Those with diabetes are also advised to get regularly checked out. Retinopathy is a complication that can be found among people with diabetes, which means that blood vessels in the retina can become blocked, leaky or grow haphazardly. This damage, if left untreated, can impair vision.
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the working age population, and everyone with diabetes should have their eyes screened at least once a year with a fundus camera.
Early detection and early treatment of diabetic retinopathy has been shown to help prevent visual impairment, and is the best protection against the problem.
But Robin reiterates that the new fundus camera will benefit all customers.
He added: "It enables the diagnosis of many other ocular conditions, not only diabetic changes. And beyond that, it is very useful to be able to save a record of the condition of their eyes to make comparisons to on their next visit.
"There will also be no additional charge for this enhanced service."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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