Scleral Depression Eye Exam
Scleral depression is a specialized examination technique that allows your ophthalmologist to carefully inspect the far outer edges of the retina. This area, called the peripheral retina, can be difficult to see during a standard dilated eye examination.
By gently pressing on the outside of the eye, the ophthalmologist temporarily brings the peripheral retina into view. This helps detect retinal tears, holes, or early retinal detachments that might otherwise be difficult to identify.
Why Is Scleral Depression Performed?
The retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. A retinal tear can allow fluid to collect underneath the retina, potentially leading to a retinal detachment and permanent vision loss.
Scleral depression may be performed to:
- Examine the far peripheral retina
- Look for retinal tears or holes
- Detect or evaluate a retinal detachment
- Investigate new flashes or floaters
- Examine the retina after an eye injury
- Monitor patients at increased risk for retinal problems
A dilated retinal examination with scleral depression is particularly helpful for patients experiencing flashes or floaters because it provides a more complete view of the peripheral retina.
What Happens During the Examination?
Your pupils will typically be dilated before the examination. While you look in different directions, the ophthalmologist uses a small instrument called a scleral depressor to apply gentle pressure through the eyelid or against the surface of the eye.
This pressure creates a small temporary indentation that brings the outer retina into view. The doctor examines each section of the peripheral retina using a bright light and a specialized viewing lens.
The examination usually takes only a few minutes.
Does Scleral Depression Hurt?
Scleral depression is generally not painful, although you may experience pressure or temporary discomfort during the examination. The sensation stops once the pressure is removed.
When performed appropriately by a trained eye specialist, scleral depression does not damage the eye.
Who May Need Scleral Depression?
Your ophthalmologist may recommend this examination if you:
- Develop sudden flashes of light
- Notice new or increasing floaters
- See a dark curtain or shadow in your vision
- Have experienced trauma to the eye
- Have severe nearsightedness
- Have lattice degeneration or another peripheral retinal condition
- Have a history of retinal tears or retinal detachment
- Recently developed a posterior vitreous detachment
Whether scleral depression is appropriate depends on your symptoms, medical history, and the condition of your eye.
Symptoms That Require Urgent Attention
Contact an ophthalmologist immediately if you experience:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- New flashes of light
- A dark curtain, veil, or shadow in your vision
- Sudden loss of peripheral vision
- Unexplained changes in vision following an eye injury
These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment. Early detection and prompt treatment can help protect your vision.
Schedule a Retinal Examination in Las Vegas
At Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons, our experienced eye specialists use comprehensive retinal examination techniques to identify retinal tears, detachments, and other conditions affecting the peripheral retina.
If you are experiencing flashes, floaters, a shadow in your vision, or another sudden visual change, call us promptly to arrange an evaluation.
Call Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons at (702) 358-0472.