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The Optomap®


The Optomap® can capture a 210 Degree view of the Retina. This revolutionary machine obtains a beautiful picture of the retina so that we can use that as a baseline to monitor your future eye health. It is a great way to check for diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and diabetic retinopathy just to name a few. The best thing about the Optomap® is that it's fast, easy, and does not hurt the eyes. Ask about the Optomap® technology today. It's a great alternative to dilation.

 

Watch Dr. Oz explain what is involved in doing an Optomap retinal scan


While eye exams generally include a look at the front of the eye to evaluate health and prescription changes, a thorough screening of the retina is critical to verify that your eye is healthy. This can lead to early detection of common diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration, and even cancer. The exam is quick, painless, and may not require dilation drops



The Drs at The Spectrum Eye Centre believe the optomap retinal exam is an important first step in every comprehensive examination.  The optomap is the only technology that provides an ultra-widefield view of the retina.  Watch how much wider an optomap scan can provide for a more complete screen of the retina.
 



Watch the Dr's Network take on the Optomap Exam


Frequently Asked Questions About The Optomap
 

  • What is the retina?
    The retina is the delicate lining at the back of the eye and is like the film in a camera. It receives light through the lens in your eye and optic nerve produces a picture which is then sent to the brain, enabling you to see.
  • How do eye doctors normally examine the retina?
    Examining the retina is challenging. Eye doctors looks through your pupil to examine a layer of tissue that covers the back and inside walls of your eye. Traditional viewing methods can be effective, but difficult to perform. They are also carried out manually without any digital record.
  • How does the optomap help?
    The optomap ultra-wide digital retinal imaging system captures more than 80% of your retina in one panoramic image. With special eye steering 95% of your retina is visible for viewing. Traditional methods typically reveal only 10-12% of your retina at one time. The unique optomap ultra-wide view enhances your eye doctor’s ability to detect even the earliest sign of disease that presents on your retina. Seeing most of the retina at once allows us as your eye doctor more time to review your images and educate you about your eye health.
  • What can happen to the retina?
    Your retina is the only place in the body where blood vessels can be seen directly. This means that in addition to eye conditions, signs of other diseases (for example, stroke, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes) can also be seen in the retina. Early detection is essential so that successful treatments can be administered.

    Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). Diabetes affects the eyes and the kidneys and is a leading cause of blindness. Retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels inside the retina.

    Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The center of the retina (the macula) can become diseased as we get older. This results in alterations to our central vision making daily activities such as driving and reading difficult.

    Glaucoma (Increased Eye Pressure). Causing damage to the optic nerve, glaucoma almost always develops without symptoms.
  • Do all eye doctors have an optomap ultra-wide digital retinal imaging system?

    Not yet. But optomap is an emerging gold standard for eye health and millions of people worldwide have benefited from optomap. The eye doctors at The Spectrum Eye Centre were the first in Saskatchewan and fifth in Canada to introduce this revolutionary technology in 2004.
  • How often should I have an optomap?

    Our doctors advise based on your individual circumstances but it is generally recommended that you have an optomap every time you have an eye exam. This is provided for your every time you have a comprehensive eye exam This will ensure you have a digital record of your retinal health on record which can be compared for changes over time.
  • Should my children have an optomap too?
    Many vision problems begin at an early age, so it’s important for children to receive proper eye care from the time they are infants. We perform Optomaps on all our youngsters starting at an early age.
  • Will I need to be dilated, does it hurt?
    An optomap takes only seconds to perform, is not painful, and typically does not require dilation. However, for care reasons, dilation may still be required if your pupils are tiny.
  • How was optomap invented?
    “In 1990 my five year old son Leif Anderson went blind in one eye because a retinal detachment was detected too late for treatment. Although he was having regular eye exams, conventional tests were uncomfortable, especially for a small child. I sought to find a way to make retinal examinations easier. Leif, now a young man, has adjusted beautifully and we are thankful to, hopefully, help other families avoid vision loss.” —Douglas Anderson, Optos founder
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