Retinal Diagnostic Imaging Service
People with diabetes can suffer damage to their vision through changes to the retina. In fact, nearly half of all people with diabetes will develop some degree of diabetic retinopathy during their lifetime. To limit potential damage to the eye, the American Diabetes Association recommends an annual examination of the retina using eye drops for all people who have had diabetes for more than five years.
To ease the process of getting an eye examination, the John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington, CT has established a new instant Retinal Diagnostic Imaging Service in its Vascular Radiology Division.
The procedure is painless and takes about 10 minutes including dilating drops. It produces a clear permanent color digital picture of the retina that can be easily compared to future images and used to detect the earliest stages of retinal change.
Regular examination is especially important for diabetics who are:
The imaging procedure can also detect:
All of which are sometimes associated with diabetes, especially in older patients.
The service is designed to ensure that early, hard-to-see retinal changes are detected promptly and referred for professional eye care physicians and their diabetic patients decide when special eye care is warranted.
Retinal imaging is covered by most insurance carriers when ordered by a primary care physician.
Convenient Location
The John Dempsey Hospital's Retinal Diagnostic Imaging Service is conveniently located in the Radiology Department at 263 Farmington Avenue (Route 4) in Farmington. It is easily reached from Exit 39 east or westbound off I-84.
To schedule a retinal imaging study, the primary care physician may call: 860-679-2733 or (Uconn Link) 1-800-535-6232, Mon - Fri 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
This Program is a major activity of the Connecticut Lions Vision Center at the University of Connecticut Health Center and is supported by the Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation.
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