The Optomap Retinal Exam
One of the most important parts of an eye test is the examination of the retina at the back of the eye.
The retina has traditionally been viewed using an instrument with a very bright light called an ophthalmoscope. The view the Optician sees is quite small and they have to join all the separate pieces together rather like a jigsaw to form a bigger picture. This view helps to determine the health of the eye. Because the ophthalmoscope can see only as much as the size of the pupil will permit; this method of viewing has its limitations.
A man called Douglas Anderson witnessed first hand the limitations of the ophthalmoscope when his young son lost sight in one eye. The limited view the consultant was able to see missed the periphery of the retina, where a retinal tear was developing. Douglas Anderson was shocked to discover that there was no technology available to prevent such a situation and went on to develop Optomap Retinal Exam.
Optomap Retinal Exam is a highly advanced scanning device, presenting an instant far more comprehensive view of your retina, out to the periphery. This is particularly useful for small children. If the regular eye exam had incorporated Optomap Retinal Exam back then, his son would have been far less likely to be the subject of a missed diagnosis.
Spectrum Eyecare would like to offer all of our patients the very best eye examination with the least amount of inconvenience. Optomap Retinal Exam allows us to do this for you.
We make a small charge for the Optomap Retinal Exam because our standard eye exam fee does not cover the costs involved.
How long does an Optomap Retinal Exam take?
Once we have you positioned correctly in front of the Optomap Retinal Exam instrument, taking a scan of your retina takes seconds to do. We often take several shots of each eye to give us the maximum amount of information.
Do I need this if I have had retinal photography before?
Yes. Optomap Retinal Exam gives a much wider view of the retina than the retinal camera and because of the scanning laser; we are able to see into the layers of the retina with the aid of the computer software.
Who can have Optomap Retinal Exam?
We recommend Optomap Retinal Exam for all our patients, especially children.
Because the procedure takes seconds to do this can be particularly useful for fidgety children, enabling a much better view than is possible with traditional methods.
What is the Optomap Retinal Exam?
Optomap Retinal Exam is a highly advanced scanning laser device, presenting an instant, far more comprehensive view of your retina out to the periphery. It can produce up to a 200 degree Panoramic view of the inside of your eye.
And Before Optomap Retinal Exam
The alternative method of seeing more of the retina is to dilate the pupil using drugs. As the eyes remain dilated for some time afterwards, driving is not advisable until the effects have worn off.
Why have an Optomap Retinal Exam
Traditional methods, are rather like looking through a keyhole to examine the retina, compare this to the Optomap Retinal Exam and it is like opening the door.
Improve your chances for early detection of eye diseases and health problems; invest in the Optomap Retinal Exam.
