Optomap Retinal Imaging: What Vision Problems Can It Detect?

Your eye health is vital to your general body health. So if something ails your eyes, you must get the correct diagnosis. But some conditions are not easy to diagnose, especially if the signs and symptoms are at the back of the eye. For a long time, doctors have been using an ophthalmoscope to evaluate such conditions. With the introduction of Optomap retinal imaging, doctors gained a better and broader digital view of the retina.

What Is Optomap Retinal Imaging?

Optomap retinal imaging is not a replacement for regular eye checkups or a reason to avoid scheduled dilation. It is a tool that adds precision to these procedures, allowing doctors to detect problems they may miss. It provides them with a digital high-definition, ultrawide field view of the retina. It lets them closely look at the optical nerve, blood vessels, macula, and retinal tissue. 

Vision Problems It Detects

Optomap retinal imaging can provide an early diagnosis of high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal holes, and diabetic retinopathy. It also helps doctors detect benign freckles or nevi since it can differentiate between these and malignant melanomas. The exam is fast, easy, and comfortable.

So, how does it help in diagnosing these various vision problems?

Macular Degeneration

The central part of your retina is the macula. It helps you see right in front of you. It is responsible for your central vision, making it key to your sight. But as you age, it may start to deteriorate. It will result in blurry vision as you have a hard time focusing. The doctor may give you a legally blind diagnosis even though you may still have peripheral vision.

The condition presents in two ways—wet and dry macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration occurs when the blood vessels beneath the retina start thinning and become brittle. It is the most common, accounting for about 90 percent of all cases. 

On the other hand, wet macular degeneration is a critical condition. It can deteriorate fast and result in vision loss. It occurs when blood vessels grow under the retina. Optomap retinal imaging can help detect this condition before it is too late.

Glaucoma

The condition develops slowly, damaging the optical nerve and causing blindness. Due to its slow progression, it can be hard to detect. It makes for a good case for retinal imaging. Optomap helps the doctor check the optical nerve lying in the retinal area. He/she can recommend special eye drops to help lower the pressure due to fluid buildup.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes causes damage to the blood vessels in your retina. It takes time to reveal symptoms. With Optomap, it is easy to see the symptoms. This allows you to manage your diabetes with care. Otherwise, the condition can cause blindness.

Optomap facilitates the early detection of vision problems that can lead to blindness and impairment. It also helps to detect life-threatening diseases like stroke, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. 

For more about Optomap retinal imaging, visit Coers Family Eyecare, PC, in Columbus, Indiana. Call (812) 408-8400 to schedule an appointment today.