The iWellness Exam is one of the most sophisticated screening test out there. This machine allows our doctors to detect changes of the retina and optic nerve before other signs or symptoms occur.
What exactly can our doctors detect?
- Glaucoma
- Macular Degeneration
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Vitreo-Retinal Interactions
- and much more!
Glaucoma: A group of disorders leading to damage of the optic nerve. Eventually this damage will lead to loss of peripheral vision. The iWellness offers its unique system identifying thinning of the inner retinal layers (Ganglion Cell Complex or GCC). This is the only technology currently available to detect these changed in the GCC, measuring Focal Loss Volume (FLV%) and Global Loss Volume (GLV%). Damage here is found earlier than by Visual Field technique which will begin to show a defect when there is greater than 50% damage.
Macular Degeneration: Deterioration of the macula which is the anatomical central portion of our vision allowing our clearest vision, recognize faces, read books etc. The iWellness provides a B-Scan Ultrasound of the retina. With this and the retinal map we can detect small changes within the outer retinal layers which may lead to macular degeneration. Here is a great article explaining more about this.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetes effects the small blood vessels in our bodies. The symptoms can be far reaching. Within the eye is the only area in which you can see blood vessels naturally without surgical intervention. This positions optometrists to be at the forefront of care in diabetes and other vascular issues. The iWellness exam allows for us to see early signs of macular edema (swelling) caused by diabetic changes. Follow this link to learn even more how diabetes can effect your vision.
Vitreo-Retinal Interactions: The Vitreous is the gel within the eye. As we age this gel liquifies and begins to pull away from the retina. This is a normal aging change, however this may cause traction or tugging of the retina. The tugging may lead to flashes of light. With the iWellness we can track and identify this tugging and traction, because of this we are able make prompt referrals and treatment.
It is because of these early detection abilities, we here at Advanced Vision of Louisville stand behind the iWellness exam created by Optovue. We have already been able to detect and prevent early signs of disease before our patients had any sign or symptoms. Vision is our most precious sense, for this reason we always recommend the iWellness to our patients!