What does retinal imaging allow doctors to do?

Retinal imaging provides a non-invasive way for doctors to check the retina while minimizing discomfort for the patient, particularly because it can often be done without the need for pupil dilation. Traditional methods for examining the retina usually require dilating the pupils to gain a better view, but with advanced retinal imaging techniques, high-resolution images of the retina can be captured without this additional step. This is beneficial for patients who may be sensitive to the effects of dilation or who prefer not to undergo these treatments.

The other methods mentioned, such as seeing through the cornea or diagnosing astigmatism, do not encapsulate the primary function of retinal imaging, which focuses specifically on the retina and its condition. Evaluating the optic nerve may also be part of a broader assessment of eye health, but retinal imaging itself is primarily geared toward providing detailed images of the retina rather than the optic nerve directly. Hence, the capability of capturing detailed retinal images without pupil dilation is what makes retinal imaging particularly valuable in clinical practice.