I believe I posted on our Facebook page, but perhaps no where else, that we recently brought a new piece of technology to our office – optomap digital retinal imaging. Here, I just want to briefly discuss why I think this technology is so fantastic, and why I believe you should incorporate it into your next comprehensive eye exam!
Most people don’t realize that with a traditional dilated eye exam, even though your pupils are insanely large, traditional instruments only allow your doctor a limited view into the back of the eye. This is why we need you as the patient to look left, right, up, down, and every other conceivable direction to piece together the image of the back of your eye. Even so, we can never see the entire back of the eye as a single picture with a traditional dilated exam.
Healthy Eye Optomap Image
Herein lies what I consider the major advantage of the optomap retinal exam: it DOES give us one wide image of the back of the eye – showing us what we need to see all at once, instead of piecemeal. We also keep these images on file, allowing us to compare images over time and track any potential deterioration of eye health.
Of course MY priority as an eye doctor is the health advantage afforded by this technology; however, as a patient, you may have a greater appreciation for the fact that we can generally obtain these digital images without the need for dilating drops, leaving you ready to get on with your day after your eye exam! Dilation can cause blurred vision, especially up close, as well as significant sensitivity to bright light; and these effects usually last about 3-4 hours after your exam.
Note: it would be incorrect to say that the optomap fully takes the place of a dilated exam. If a retinal emergency is detected and requires further evaluation, you will need to have your eyes dilated. However, the optomap retinal exam is a remarkable screening tool that can help us decide if dilation is truly indicated, and most patients are able to avoid dilation with this new technology.
In my office, which is located inside a Costco, many patients would choose to forego dilation regardless of any new technology – they just want to be able to go shopping afterwards 🙂 Comparing the thoroughness of a non-dilated exam with vs. without optomap, it’s not even close.
I love this technology because it gives me more information as the doctor, and it makes life easier for my patients. I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone as part of their annual comprehensive exam.
Costco Eye Doctor 