Pros & Cons of Optomap Eye Exams

Did you know that most retinal disorders don&#;t show any symptoms until they have caused at least some vision loss?

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An optomap retinal exam allows your eye doctor to provide you with the most comprehensive eye exam possible, by capturing more than 80% of your retina in one panoramic image. This unique technology helps them detect underlying eye diseases and monitor treatment for existing ocular diseases.

When detected early, many retinal problems can be treated to prevent vision loss.

Pros and Cons of Optomap

There are many benefits of the optomap retinal exam, especially for patients who are reluctant or unable to have their pupils dilated, as the optomap can usually be performed without dilation.

In addition to checking your vision, the exam can also map and image your eye &#; providing your eye doctor with detailed information about your eye health. An optomap eye exam provides:

• An image taken with a brief flash, which is manageable for patients who are sensitive to light
• An image that can be saved and then used to compare future digital images to detect changes in your retinal health

• Diagnosis of vision problems that may only manifest at night, such as starbursts and halos
• Early detection of eye disease, such as cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma
• Early detection of life-threatening diseases, such as eye cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke
• Early detection of retinal disease, which enables early treatment and protection against complications or vision loss
• A diabetic screening &#; retinal eye scans can spot early signs of eye damage caused by diabetes, even before you notice any symptoms

• Corneal topography, facilitating advanced contact lenses fittings

Some disadvantages of the optomap:

• While the optomap can be very useful for a diabetic screening, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AA) and the American Optometric Association (AOA) still recommend that people with diabetes have a dilated eye exam at least once a year.
• If there is retinal bleeding, laser retinal imaging cannot always detect a disease.
• The optomap is not covered by vision insurance. It may be covered by your medical insurance plan, depending on the terms of your policy and the reason for the test.

Contact Eye Trends in Conroe, The Woodlands, Louetta, Greenspoint, Kingwood, and Grand Parkway to learn more about the optomap eye exam.

At Eye Trends, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 936-441- or book an appointment online to see one of our Conroe eye doctors.

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How is retinal imaging performed?

There are three main methods that eye care specialists use to take digital pictures of your eye&#;s fundus (the inner, back surface of your eye). These include:

• Color fundus photos. Fundus is another term for the back of the eye. Providers have used fundus cameras for decades to take pictures inside your eye. You&#;ll see bright flashes of light while the camera takes pictures. Advances in technology allow precise digital retinal images in high resolution. Some cameras can also take wide-field views of your fundus, allowing your eye care team to see a larger area of your retina. One strength of this imaging method is its ability to show your blood vessels and reveal signs of diabetes-related retinopathy.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT). This is a common imaging test your provider may perform to see cross-sectional views of the layers of your retina in the macula region and optic nerve. This method can show each layer of your retina and measure how thick it is. It can help diagnose conditions like diabetes-related macular edema and macular degeneration.

In all these cases, you sit comfortably in a chair and move your face close to the camera device. Your provider shows you where to place your forehead and chin. Nothing touches your eye during retinal imaging.

Providers sometimes use one or more of the above methods at the same time. They may also use one of the methods along with fluorescein angiography. This technique is minimally invasive. Nothing touches your eyes, but your provider injects a dye into a vein in your arm. This dye travels through your blood vessels, including those in your eyes. It reveals blockages or other problems in those vessels.

What happens before the test?

Your provider will tell you about the procedure and why you&#;re having it. They may ask you to give consent.

Providers usually put drops into your eyes to dilate your pupils. That&#;s because your pupil is the window that the camera sees through to capture pictures of your fundus. A wider pupil typically leads to better images. Make sure you arrange for someone to drive you home. Your vision will be blurry, and you&#;ll be sensitive to light for a few hours after pupil dilation.

What happens during the test?

Retinal imaging, including fundus photography and OCT, is fast and painless. Here&#;s what you can expect:

1. You&#;ll sit in a chair in front of the imaging device. Your provider will make sure you&#;re comfortable.
2. You&#;ll position your face so your chin rests comfortably in a chin rest, and your forehead presses gently against a bar.
3. Your provider will align the camera and begin taking photos. They&#;ll capture images of one eye at a time.
4. You may need to focus on a green light. The light may be bright and cause brief discomfort as you look at it.
5. Your provider will tell you when you can sit back from the camera.

Retinal imaging typically takes five to 10 minutes. If your provider uses fluorescein angiography, the process may take up to 30 minutes.

What can I expect after the test?

If your provider dilates your eyes, you&#;ll have blurry vision and sensitivity to light for a few hours. So, give your eyes a rest. Don&#;t drive, read or look at screens. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes when you&#;re outside.

What are the risks of retinal imaging?

Retinal imaging, including fundus photography and OCT, is safe with no known risks. Your provider simply uses a camera to create digital images of your eyes.

Fluorescein angiography is low risk but may cause side effects like temporary skin discoloration (a slight yellow tint) or urine that appears dark yellow to orange. These effects go away within 24 hours.

Rarely, fluorescein may cause an allergic reaction (hives or itching). The risk of anaphylaxis is extremely small. People who are sensitive to fluorescein may experience:

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• Dizziness.
• Dry mouth.
• Increased heart rate.
• Metallic taste in their mouth (brief).
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Sneezing.