Using Telemedicine to Detect Eye Disease

Diabetic retinopathy, a condition of diabetics in which the blood vessels inside the eye become damaged, is the leading cause of blindness among working age people in the United States.  To help with early detection of diabetic retinopathy, a Greenville, S.C. multi-specialty physician practice has partnered with Southern Eye in using telemedicine and new technology to perform eye scans on their patients to detect diabetic retinopathy.  This procedure is made possible due to a new generation retinal camera and special software used by the physicians’ at Southern Eye.  The eye scan is quick and painless with Southern Eye providing the test results usually within 24 hours.  The primary care office has been able to provide better care for their diabetic patients since this imaging system has been installed.  The scan is not a substitution for regular eye exams, but it is an important procedure for diabetic patients that do not regularly see an ophthalmologist.  “This screening process can be critical in the early detection of diabetic retinopathy for certain individuals.  When detected early, this disease can be treated to prevent vision loss.” said Dr. Bostrom, an ophthalmologist at Southern Eye.