A retinal health check at The London Clinic Eye Centre is a type of eye assessment. It is performed to detect the early signs of potential visual problems related to diabetes and treatments such as hydroxychloroquine therapy, which is used to manage several conditions. By detecting the signs of related visual issues early on, treatment can be administered swiftly to prevent any deterioration in your eyesight.
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What does a retinal health check at The London Clinic include?
A retinal health check involves an assessment with one of our world-class experts and retinal imaging. At our state-of-the-art retinal diagnostic suite, we provide the full range of outpatient assessments and tests to detect early signs of retinal stress, offering a personalised service in a calm and friendly environment within our dedicated ophthalmic outpatient facility.
During your retinal health check, one of our world-class ophthalmologists will perform an eye assessment using state-of-the-art retinal imaging techniques, such as:
- Visual Acuity Test – measures how clearly you can see at various distances using a standardised eye chart.
- Intraocular Pressure Measurement – assesses the pressure inside your eye to screen for glaucoma and other conditions.
- Dilation with Drops – widens the pupils for a detailed examination of the retina and optic nerve.
- Blood Pressure Measurement – checks arterial pressure to identify cardiovascular factors affecting vision.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – captures detailed cross-sectional retinal images.
- Fundus Autofluorescence – highlights retinal pigment changes linked to retinal stress or disease.
- Wide-field retinal imaging – produces a high-resolution 2D image of the retinal tissue.
How can retinal health checks help detect vision changes?
The London Clinic Eye Centre’s retinal health check focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of:
- Type 1 diabetes – where the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes – caused by high blood sugar levels and insufficient or poorly used insulin.
- Diabetic eye disease – including diabetic retinopathy, caused by high blood sugar damaging retinal blood vessels.
Retinal health checks for medication toxicity
Regular checks can detect vision changes caused by long-term use of medications such as Hydroxychloroquine in conditions including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Photosensitive skin disorders
Are there any risks to using retinal imaging techniques?
The retinal imaging techniques are extremely safe and have no known risks.
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What to expect during and after this diagnostic?
Step 1 During your retinal health check
Your appointment begins with a series of essential tests carried out by our clinical team, including visual assessment, intraocular pressure testing, blood pressure measurement, OCT scanning, fundus autofluorescence and wide-field retinal imaging. Eye-drop dilation may be used to widen your pupils, which can cause brief stinging. The full set of tests typically takes around one hour to complete.
Step 2 How the imaging works
You’ll sit at a specialist imaging device, resting your chin and forehead in place while high-resolution scans are taken. Most images are captured within seconds to minutes, allowing our technology to produce a clear and comprehensive view of your retina.
Step 3 Results review and next steps
Your consultant receives your results immediately and will review them with you during your consultation. They’ll talk you through the images, explain any findings and discuss the next steps in real time, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your eye health. You can go straight home after your retinal health check. If dilating drops were used, your vision may be blurry for up to six hours and your eyes may be more sensitive to light. Bringing sunglasses is recommended.
Why choose The London Clinic Eye Centre?
The London Clinic Eye Centre provides the highest standards of eye care. Our team of expert ophthalmologists work in partnership with world leaders and experts from all aspects of medicine, combining state-of-the-art diagnostics with cutting-edge therapies to deliver a best-in-class service to a global audience.
Unparalleled eye expertise
Our ophthalmologists bring global experience across the full range of eye conditions, supported by advanced imaging and The London Clinic’s world-class facilities.
With you at every step
From your first appointment to follow-up, our clinicians, nurses and support teams provide coordinated, bespoke care so you always feel confident and supported.
Personal care, every time
We tailor your care around your individual needs, staying with you throughout your journey and ensuring you feel listened to and supported.
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Whether you’re seeking a diagnosis, treatment or a specialist opinion, our Eye Centre team is here to help. Find out more about how we can support your eye health.