The Optomap Retinal Exam - Eye Exams Without Dilation

The optomap® Retinal Exam provides a panoramic view of the back of a person's eye (the retina).  The view provided by the Optomap displays almost 80% of the retina. 

 

How Does the Optomap Work

The patient places their eye to be photographed up to the instrument and the doctor's assistant positions the patient for a photograph and takes the picture.  The Optomap captures its image in only 1/4 of a second.  The photographer takes two photos and evaluates the images.  If the images look good the same thing is repeated on the second eye.

 

Why is This Better Than Dilation

The Optomap is not necessarily better than dilation.  The optomap® Retinal Exam is a great tool to use in addition to dilation or when a patient can't, or doesn't want to be dilated.  Panoramic 200 Retinal Image - Click for hi resolution image

In some cases the view provided by the Optomap is superior to that of pupil dilation.  For example, a patient that is very light sensitive will often refuse to have their pupils dilated because of the pain they experience.  The dilated view of a very photosensitive patient is often poor because it is difficult for the patient to keep their eyes open or to look in the appropriate direction. The Optomap captures an image with a brief flash that even light sensitive patients do not object to, allowing the to doctor view the results without discomfort to the patient.  The Optomap allows for a more comfortable retinal exam. 

The top image to the right compares the doctor's view of your eye through an undilated pupil with an instrument called a direct ophthalmoscope (inner ring).  The second ring is the view as seen through dilated pupils with an instrument that is worn on the head called a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope (BIO).  The BIO will allow the doctor to see almost 100% of the retina if the patient looks in multiple directions while the doctor readjusts his or her light.  The third ring is the view afforded by a good retinal camera.

 

For Whom is the Optomap Recommended

The short answer is almost everyone is a good candidate for the optomap® Retinal Exam.  We find, however, that some of the best candidates for the Optomap are those patients that can't or don't want to be dilated, children, anyone with a history of retinal problems and people that are light sensitive, just to name a few.

 

Photos comparing the optomap® Retinal Exam to other retinal exams.  Click on the photo for a larger image (opens in new window).Thumbnail Of Optomap Image Vs other formats. Click for hi res.

 

Optomap image explaining what your doctor sees (opens in new window).Optomap Image showing anatomical structures. Click for higher res.