Why Get an Optomap® Retinal Exam

The retina is located at the back of the eye. It is the one part of the body where it is possible to see blood vessels directly. This makes it possible to detect eye diseases and other conditions by examining the retina. 

Early signs of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and stroke can show on the retina. Most eye exams involve examining the front of the eye, but they may include retina screening. An optomap® retinal exam can help ensure the eye is healthy. 

Understanding Dilation

Most people avoid getting eye exams because they do not like having their eyes dilated. The dilation involves applying special drops to the eyes. Eye dilation allows the doctor to examine the retina during a comprehensive eye examination. 

When the eyes are dilated, the eye doctor can get a good view of the retina. The optic nerve and the vessels at the back of the eye can be viewed effectively. The good news is that new technology has been introduced that allows retina exams to occur without dilating drops. 

Optomap Retinal Exam

Optomap is a relatively new retinal imaging product developed by Optos™. The product allows eye doctors to get a good view of the eye retina without using dilating drops. Optomap involves the use of a low-powered scanning laser device to digitally scan the retina. 

The laser ophthalmoscope procedure is non-invasive, and the doctor completes it in a few seconds. Different laser-light wavelengths help capture the image that is then filtered, allowing effective evaluation. 

An Optomap Image

The process of getting Optomap imaging is fast, comfortable, and painless. Nothing touches the eye, making the test convenient for people of all ages. During the exam, you will look into the machine. 

You do this one eye at a time, with a flash of light indicating when an image of the retina is taken. As the patient, you can see what the eye doctor sees. In some cases, patients may need dilation drops, but this will depend on the health of the eyes.

Why Get an Optomap Retinal Exam

There are good reasons to get an Optomap retinal exam. The technology makes it possible for the different layers of the retina to be examined and evaluated. The image appears directly on a monitor, allowing the doctor to share or store it for future use and comparison. 

The entire process takes seconds, which means that the retina image appears instantly. The eye doctor can assess the image quickly, and where necessary, refer the patient to a specialist.

The Downside of Optomap Exams

The downside of Optomap technology is that it can be costly, preventing wider adoption. Most eye doctors who use the technology charge extra for the test. In some cases, practitioners feel that the image can appear distorted, making it difficult to interpret the results. They feel that using the technology can make it hard to diagnose eye disease. 

The Optomap technology can help in screening for retinal and optic nerve problems. However, the technology is not a complete substitute for dilation. Doctors still recommend a dilated eye examination in many situations. 

For more on the Optomap retinal exam, visit Planet Vision Eyecare at our office in Greenacres, Florida. You can call (561) 556-4600 today to schedule an appointment.