The retina is a thin layer lining the back of the eye where light is focused, and images are processed. It is the only part of the body where blood vessels can be directly viewed without using any invasive techniques. The Optomap Retinal Exam is a non-dilating camera that captures a panoramic image of the retina. The Optomap allows the doctor to capture a 200° high-resolution image of your retina in a single shot, in a quarter of a second. It takes just a few minutes to perform, it is painless, and nothing touches your eye. It is suitable for the whole family, the images are immediately available for review, and allows you the opportunity to see the inside of your eye just as your doctor sees it! Under normal circumstances, dilation drops may not be necessary, but your eye care practitioner will decide if your pupils need to be dilated for a further evaluation of the health of your eyes.

What can the Optomap Detect?

Both ocular and systemic disease can be detected with the Optomap. The device allows us to evaluate your retina for problems such as macular degeneration, retinal holes, retinal detachments, hypertension and diabetic retinopathy, which sometimes can be present without any other signs or symptoms. The Optomap Retinal Exam also serves as a permanent record, and allows your doctor to view your images yearly which can help to monitor any changes. Reno Family Eye Care performs The Optomap Retinal Exam on all comprehensive exams for all patients, every year at no cost.

FAQs about Optomap

Why is a retinal exam so important?

Some of the first signs of diseases such as stroke, diabetes and even some cancers can be seen in your retina, often before you have other symptoms. An Optomap makes it easier to see them.

Is an Optomap safe for children?

Yes. In fact, many vision problems begin in early childhood, so it’s important for children to receive quality routine eye care.

Does it hurt?

No. It is completely comfortable and the scan takes less than a second.

Are there side effects?

Optomap images are created by non-invasive, low-intensity scanning lasers. No adverse health effects have been reported in over 150 million sessions.

How will Optomap benefit me?

The ultra-widefield Optomap may help your eye doctor detect problems more quickly and easily. Unlike traditional retinal exams, the Optomap image can be saved for future comparisons.

How often should I have an Optomap?

This is a decision that should be made by your doctor. However, it is generally recommended that you have an Optomap each time you have an eye exam, at Reno Family Eye Care we perform Optomap on all patients presenting for their comprehensive eye exam every year.