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Optomap Retinal Exam

Optos has developed the Optomap digital retinal imaging system, which captures an image of your retina in a few seconds and there are no side effects. You get a comprehensive exam without the annoyance of dilation. In addition to making you smile, Dr. Morrow likes the Optomap because it is a digital image of your retinal tissue to keep on file to better follow you for changes over time, which occur in diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.

*** There are certain cases, in which, dilation is necessary, and we will recommend accordingly.

The most important part of your sight is your eye health which is why our eye doctors require a thorough examination of the eyes using high tech imaging or dilation at every comprehensive exam. Our Optomap® technology allows us to detect, monitor, and treat ocular pathology all while educating you using images of the inside of your eyes. You’ll have to see it for yourself. It is our promise to you that we will keep you seeing your very best.

Optomap Retinal Exam

The retina is a collection of photoreceptors (rods and cones) and nerves that allow us to see the world around us. It is also one of the first and only places certain diseases like diabetes, hypertension, blood cancers and infections are visible non-invasively. The thin, delicate nature of the tissue also leaves it susceptible to tears and holes, especially in near-sighted patients, which can lead to retinal detachments. It is very important for your optometrist to see the entire inside of your eye every year to ensure there are no diseases or defects, and we have two options for our patients, dilation or Optomap imaging.

Our Doctors are able to see about 20% of this tissue without dilating your eyes. When the pupil is small it’s difficult to see inside the eye, but when the pupil is dilated to a larger size 100% of the retina is visible. (Think of looking into a room through a keyhole vs a large window.) Dilation is accomplished by instilling an eye drop into each eye and then waiting 20 minutes to take effect. You will be light sensitive and have blurry near vision for 2-4 hours afterwards.

A very good alternative to dilation is the Optomap Daytona retinal imaging system, which we are proud to be the first clinic in the Savannah area to offer our patients this technology.

What The Optomap Looks Like

(Not So) Fun Fact

The gentleman who designed the Optomap camera did so after his young son lost vision in one eye. The boy was uncooperative during a dilated eye exam, and his optometrist was unable to obtain proper views to detect the retinal tear, which would have allowed for earlier treatment preventing blindness. The father, who happened to be a brilliant engineer, thought there needed to be an easier way to detect retinal problems. Patients and doctors everywhere thank him!