Our eyes are often referred to as the windows to the soul, but they’re also windows to our overall health. Enhanced testing options go beyond the surface to offer a deeper understanding of eye health, but how does it all work?

What conditions can an eye exam uncover? Common eye health concerns like macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts, can lead to vision loss if not detected and treated early. But eye exams can uncover other health issues, such as high blood pressure and even neurological conditions.

What kind of scans do you do to find these conditions?
Wilson, Wilson and Hancock has invested in cutting-edge technologies, and have Optomap and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scanners available in all branches.

How do Optomap and OCT scans work and what can they reveal?
The Optomap provides ultra-widefield imaging, capturing up to 82% of the retinal surface in one image. This detects signs of conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy long before symptoms appear. The OCT scanner uses light waves to create cross-sectional images of the retina, enabling highly detailed analysis of its layers, particularly effective in spotting early signs of glaucoma and macular conditions, even in patients without symptoms.

What makes enhanced testing so valuable?
Even subtle changes can indicate an underlying issue and it helps us spot what a standard eye test might miss. It’s not just about vision correction anymore, advanced diagnostics allow us to monitor and manage these conditions before they become problematic. Early diagnosis is a game-changer. The sooner a condition is identified, the more treatment options are available, and the better the chances of preserving vision.

Are these tests at all invasive?
These tests are non-invasive and quick, providing data and detecting changes over time.

Does family history affect how we should be tested?
Such tests are indispensable for those with family history of eye disease or underlying health conditions. Family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetes increases the risk of developing related eye conditions so discuss your genetic history with your optometrist for tailored testing and preventative care. Our genetic history holds vital clues, if someone has a parent or sibling with glaucoma, for instance, we might recommend more frequent monitoring with OCT scans.

To book an appointment at Wilson Wilson and Hancock visit wilsonwilsonandhancock.co.uk