Optomap® Retinal Exams
Eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal tears or detachments, and other eye health problems can often develop without warning and progress with no symptoms. By the time these conditions are diagnosed, the damage may have already been done. At Lighthouse Vision, we perform Optomap® Retinal Exams to make it easier to detect these issues at their earliest stages.
What Is an Optomap® Retinal Exam?
The Optomap® is a digital image of the retina produced by Optos scanning laser technology. It is the only technology that can capture an 82 percent view of your retina at one time. The retina is the part of your eye that catches the image of what you are looking at, like the film in a camera. Examination of your retina can provide your doctor with valuable information about your eye health and possible eye disease formation.
An Optomap® retinal exam provides:
- A scan to confirm a healthy eye or detect the presence of a disease
- Early detection of various eye diseases that, if left unchecked, may lead to vision loss or blindness
- An overview or map of the retina, giving your eye doctor a detailed view
What to Expect with Our Optomap® Eye Exams
An Optomap® retinal scan is often an add-on to our comprehensive eye exams. Make sure to alert your doctor if you are interested in an Optomap® retinal examination.
The process of obtaining an Optomap® image is quick, comfortable, and pain-free. No equipment touches your eye, making it suitable for those of all ages. For the Optomap® retinal exam, you will look into the imaging device one eye at a time. You will see a flash of light to let you know that the image of your retina has been taken. Your doctor will then review the image with you, noting any areas of concern if present.
Depending on the health of your eyes, your optometrist will decide if your pupils need to be dilated. In many cases dilation is not needed. If dilation drops are needed, your doctor will guide you through the dilation process.
Because the image is available immediately, you will have the opportunity to review and discuss your Optomap® images with your doctor at the time of your exam. A record will also be kept in your medical file, enabling your doctor to make comparisons between images if potential problems arise at future examinations.
At Lighthouse Vision, your eye health is our priority. Contact us today to set up your Optomap® retinal exam in Milford.