What to Expect from Your Annual Wellness Scan

As the saying goes, "Prevention is better than cure." This is particularly true when it comes to health. With an annual wellness scan, it becomes possible to catch potential health issues early before they become serious problems.

The Importance of Monitoring Eye Health

Certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, can develop slowly over time and may not present noticeable symptoms until the disease has significantly progressed. Regular eye examinations as part of an annual wellness scan can detect these conditions early, increasing the chances of successful treatment and preserving vision.

Additionally, certain systemic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can also affect eye health. Annual wellness scans can aid in the early detection of these conditions, allowing for timely intervention and management.

The Significance of Retinal Photos in Wellness Scans

The retinal photo, a key component of an eye examination, plays a vital role in monitoring eye health. This is a detailed photograph of the retina, the layer at the back of the eye that captures light and sends signals to the brain to create visual images.

Retinal photos can reveal signs of eye diseases even before symptoms become noticeable. They can also show signs of systemic diseases that can have an impact on the blood vessels in the retina.

Additionally, retinal photos serve as a valuable record of eye health. By comparing retinal photos taken over successive annual wellness scans, it is possible to track changes and monitor the progress of any identified eye conditions.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is another crucial test included in the eye examination part of an annual wellness scan. This non-invasive imaging test uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of the retina, providing detailed images of each of its layers.

OCT can help detect a range of eye conditions, such as glaucoma, macular hole, macular pucker, and macular degeneration, in their early stages. It can also provide crucial information about the health of the optic nerve, thereby aiding in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma.

The level of detail provided by OCT is unparalleled by other imaging techniques. As such, it has become an essential tool in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning of various eye diseases.

Take Proactive Measures to Protect Your Eye Health though an Annual Wellness Scan

Regular wellness scans are crucial to maintaining and improving health. They provide a comprehensive overview of your health status, allow for early detection of potential health issues, and offer personalized advice to optimize your wellness. The core purpose of an annual wellness scan is to keep you in the best health possible. 

Make regular wellness scans a part of your health routine by visiting Brandon Eyes at our Middleton or Madison, Wisconsin office. Call (608) 833-7256 or (608) 833-0301 to schedule an appointment today.