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MIDTOWN OPTOMETRY BLOG / November 1, 2016

Digital Retinal Imaging

Editorial update: October 20, 2026

A photograph of the back of the eye

Retinal photography documents the retina, macula, vessels, and optic nerve. Comparing photographs over time can help identify change and communicate findings to another clinician.

Fundus photograph showing a healthy retina, branching blood vessels, central macula, and pale optic disc
A fundus photograph shows the retina from the front. This normal educational example from the credited independent source helps locate the vessels and optic nerve.Mikael Häggström · CC0 · Resized and converted to WebP; image content unaltered.

Photographs and scans answer different questions

Fundus and wide-field photographs show surface appearance. OCT provides cross-sectional measurements of tissue layers. We choose tests according to the clinical question; no image detects every disease or replaces the full examination.

When imaging may help

Imaging can support monitoring of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Medication-related retinal screening uses specific testing protocols; a routine fundus photograph alone is not sufficient for every screening need.

Dilation and practical details

Imaging does not automatically replace dilation. Small pupils, cloudy media, artifacts, or a condition outside the photographed area can limit results. We discuss which tests are useful and any expected charges; coverage depends on the indication and benefits.

Read about our CIRRUS OCT, CLARUS, and fundus camera and the linked diabetes, AMD, and glaucoma guides.

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This article was published November 1, 2016. For advice about your own eyes, speak with your optometrist.

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