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Why is Retinal Imaging Important?
The retina is the structure located in the back of the eye. It’s responsible for sending images to the brain once focused light from the lens reaches it. The retina is a very complex structure – and because it’s transparent, the blood vessels supplying it can be seen directly. By assessing the blood vessels in the retina, your eye doctor can not only assess the health of your eyes, but your overall vascular health as well.
Retinal imaging is extremely important for patients with diabetes or who might have retinal bleeding that can lead to vision loss. Traditionally, retinal imaging is performed by dilating the eyes, but at the Nielsen Eye Center, we offer some of the most advanced retinal imaging technology available.
What is Optomap Imaging?
Optomap Imaging is a laser scanning technology that can be used to look at the blood vessels in the retina and detect any concerns to the health of your eyes or your body in general. Optomap Imaging creates a panoramic image of your retinas, capturing up to 80% of your retina versus the much more limited scope (45%) of traditional retinal imaging.
The Benefits of Optomap Imaging
Retinal imaging is one of the most effective tools available for detecting early stages of life-threatening diseases such as cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular disease, as well as problems with your vision such as diabetic retinopathy. Optomap Imaging can capture a more complete image of the retinas, leading to better and more timely treatment by your eye doctor. The process itself is completely safe, pain-free, and touch-free. Depending on your vision health, you may not even need dilating drops.
What Can Optomap Imaging Detect?
Optomap Imaging can produce a clear and detailed image of the retinas, allowing your eye doctor to detect many different eye and health conditions before they become problematic. These include:
- Starbursts and halos
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Eye cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Retinal disease
- Diabetic eye disease
In many cases, these concerns can cause permanent vision loss. However, when treated early with lifestyle changes and intervention, you can maintain more of your vision for longer.
What Happens During Optomap Imaging?
Optomap Imaging comes with no pain or discomfort – you simply look through a small keyhole-shaped point and the device will capture an image of your retina. The device will emit a bright flash which may be briefly disorienting but is manageable for most patients – even those who are sensitive to light. You can immediately see this capture and review it with your eye doctor. You will be able to see the blood vessels in the retina and even save this image to compare it against future captures, tracking the development of any concerns. This makes it an invaluable tool for patients who have vision loss or eye diseases that affect the retina. Your eye doctor can help you develop a treatment plan and measure progress with further Optomap Imaging.
Request an Optomap Imaging Consultation
At the Nielsen Eye Center, we offer the latest technologies in vision health. To meet with our team and learn more about retinal imaging, contact our Quincy, MA locations today by calling or filling out our online form.
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