Technology

Optos Optomap

The Optos Optomap® provides an ultra-widefield, high-resolution image of the retina. This provides a much broader and more detailed view of the retina than is possible with conventional imaging methods. Our doctors strongly believe that the Optomap® Retinal Exam is an essential part of your comprehensive eye exam and prescribes it for all patients once per year. One of the many benefits of this technology is that it can serve as an alternative to routine dilation of your eyes; however, dilation may still be required to more closely evaluate the retina if abnormalities are detected on screening images.

Optomap is an innovative new technology that gives eye doctors the ability to perform ultra-wide retinal imaging that is far superior to what can currently be achieved using conventional retinal imaging options. In contrast to conventional retinal imaging, Optomap captures at least 50% more of the retina in a single capture, and with Optomap’s multi-capture function, up to 97% of the retina can be viewed. This gives eye care professionals greater opportunity to monitor the health and condition of patient vision.

Why Is Optomap Important?

Optomap is another great preventative eyecare technology tool. By allowing your eye doctor to have a comprehensive view of your retina, they will be able to detect any developing eye diseases early on, before they have a detrimental impact on your vision and day-to-day life. Not only can Optomap detect eye conditions such as retinal holes, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, but it can also be used to identify some general health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer.

What To Expect From Optomap Scanning

Optomap is a fast, painless, and non-invasive procedure that is suitable for patients of all ages, even children and pregnant women. Many patients require their eyes to be dilated ahead of the scan and will be given eyedrops which will widen their pupils and make it easier for the camera to see the structures inside the eye. Pupil dilation is painless, but patients may feel more sensitive to light both during their Optomap scan and afterward for up to 24 hours. You may also have slightly blurred vision for a few hours. Once your eyes are dilated, you’ll be sat down and asked to look into a small device that will take pictures of your retina. A short flash of light will let you know that the image has been taken, and the entire imaging is over in just a few seconds. The results will be sent digitally to your eye doctor who will then evaluate them. The results will also be stored on your personal optical record for future information.

If you would like more information about what is involved in Optomap, or to schedule an appointment for this effective screening technology, please contact us.

OCT Technology (Optical Coherence Tomography)

Optical Coherence Tomography is a non-invasive imaging test that may be performed as a standard part of your regular, comprehensive exams, or you may be able to request this test as an addition to your usual exam.

Optical Coherence Tomography uses light waves to take cross-section images of your retina, which is the area of light-sensitive cells at the back of your eye that is responsible for receiving light and transmitting it into messages that are sent up to the brain. The technology behind OCT enables your eye doctor to see each of the different layers that make up the retina. By being able to see these and measure them, they can obtain a much clearer picture of the overall health and condition of your eyes.

Auto-Refractor

This diagnostic device is used in eye examinations to measure a patient's refractive error, which is the degree of error in the eye's ability to focus light on the retina. The auto-refractor works by projecting a beam of light into the eye and measuring the light's reflection off the retina. It then uses this data to calculate the patient's refractive error, including the prescription for corrective lenses that the patient may need to improve their vision.

Auto-refractors are particularly useful for patients who may have difficulty with subjective refraction, such as young children or individuals with cognitive or communicative disabilities.