Pros & Cons of Optomap Eye Exams

22 Mar.,2024

 

Did you know that most retinal disorders don’t show any symptoms until they have caused at least some vision loss?

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: 936-441-3937 or book an appointment online to see one of our Conroe eye doctors.

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