Telemedicine has long been an option for health care that recently gained momentum during the pandemic when people preferred to avoid visiting a busy clinic that could expose them to illnesses. While people have often relied on doctors to diagnose sinus issues and other common conditions over the phone or online, they’ve been more hesitant to use telemedicine for vision concerns that used to require in-person exams.
Fortunately, new technology has opened up methods that retina specialists in NYC can use to diagnose and treat common retinal diseases virtually. In some cases, special equipment might be used at pop up clinics that gather information to send to an ophthalmologist. In other situations, an eye doctor might connect with a patient online to discuss their progress after beginning a treatment. In both scenarios, patients can enjoy these benefits that come when eye doctors choose to utilize technology in their practice to its fullest capacity.
Provide Early Identification of New and Developing Issues
Although most people notice sudden changes in their vision, many common eye conditions develop slowly enough that you might not realize you’ve lost your ability to see until the issue is harder to treat. Considering that around 50% of people without glaucoma don’t know that they have the condition. Early screening is critical for helping people to preserve their eyesight.
Telemedicine eliminates some of the barriers to care that people might face regarding getting regular eye exams. For many people, stopping at a kiosk in a mall to participate in a quick screening might be more feasible compared to driving a long distance and taking time off work for a scheduled eye exam at a medical office.
Increase Monitoring of Ongoing Conditions
Even after a person receives a diagnosis, they could still face barriers to care that make it harder to manage a long-term condition. With telemedicine, patients can consult with a retinal disease specialist in Brooklyn to discuss their after care strategies or to get assistance with any concerns that arise after a retinal surgery. Eye doctors can use a virtual appointment to examine the patient’s eye for signs of an issue, such as redness or swelling. Using special equipment, they can also assess your vision to note improvements after you begin a new treatment plan.
Open Up Access for Underserved Populations
Many people live in areas where it might not be possible to find a nearby retinal disease specialist. Others might find time constraints to be a barrier for treatment. In one recent study, it was found that 94% of people who were referred to telemedicine for an eye health appointment followed through with the recommendation, while only 56% of people who were referred to a specific provider did the same. Providing people with easier access to eye health care providers expands the number of patients who choose to continue with follow-up care.
Choosing to visit a retinal disease specialist that prioritizes staying on the leading edge of technological advances opens up your options for receiving quality care. Whether you are ready to undergo screening for retinal diseases or are currently managing a diagnosed condition, telemedicine could be the answer you need for addressing common challenges that you face. Plus, you can look forward to utilizing new technology to manage your retinal health as science continues to develop new treatment methods that you can use while working with your eye care provider.