There is only so much you can tell about the health of your eyes by simply looking at the surface. However, many changes caused by eye diseases and underlying conditions don’t cause visible signs right away. This is because many eye diseases affect the retina, which is an area of light-sensitive cells found at the back of the eye. The retina receives light and turns it into signals sent to the brain via the optic nerve and is integral to our vision. It relies on a network of blood vessels to supply it with oxygen and nutrients to keep it healthy. You can’t see the retina without special equipment.
Being able to view the retina doesn’t only provide information about eye diseases either. It can also reveal signs of other health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke and even diabetes. This makes retinal imaging an invaluable tool for both eye and overall health.
We’ve invested in cutting edge technology solutions to enable us to diagnose eye problems with greater speed and accuracy, enabling patients to start treatment more promptly. This is important since early diagnosis and treatment can be crucial to preventing unpleasant symptoms and vision problems, including avoidable vision loss. We can now do this, thanks to Optomap imaging.
What Is Optomap Imaging?
Optomap imaging is an innovative technology that can be used both as a diagnostic and preventative tool. Optomap imaging enables our eyecare experts to achieve ultra-wide pictures of your retina when compared with alternative imaging options – up to 50% more in a single capture, and an incredible 97% of the retina with Optomap’s multi-capture function. This more extensive imaging means that our team has a much better opportunity to find and diagnose abnormalities, before that have an impact on the quality of your vision.
Optomap imaging is fast, painless and completely non-invasive. It’s also suitable for patients of all ages, including children, and can even be used on pregnant women with no risk at all. Before the imaging can take place, patients are given eyedrops which dilate their pupils. This will make it easier for the camera to view the structures inside the eye. You’ll be asked to look at a focal point and the camera will take pictures of your retina. You may see a series of short flashes when this happens, but the whole process takes a matter of seconds. The images are then sent digitally to our team so that we can evaluate the health of your eyes. They can also be stored in your digital record and referred to in the future if required. We strongly recommend that all patients undergo Optomap imaging at every comprehensive eye exam or symptom-driven appointment.
It’s important to note that your eyes will be sensitive to light for a few hours after pupil dilation, and it can be helpful to wear sunglasses to travel home after your appointment.
If you would like more information about our advanced diagnostic eyecare service, please don’t hesitate to speak to our friendly, knowledgeable eyecare team at Village Optical in New Hyde Park, New York. Call at (516) 352-2316.
