What is Optomap?
June 16, 2022
Taking an image of the back of the eye is a regular part of your routine eye exam. In the past, this was typically achieved by dilating the pupil, resulting in light sensitivity for several hours after your appointment. Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology is now offering Optomap instead, an advanced system that has benefits for both patients and ophthalmologists.
What is Optomap?
Optomap is a new technology that takes a digital scan of the back of the eye, or the “retina”. This allows your ophthalmologist to easily view the retina and screen for signs of eye conditions or disease without the need for dilating drops, which can cause prolonged light sensitivity or other discomfort.
Taking Optomap images is a quick and painless process. Nothing touches the eye, and patients simply look into a keyhole-like opening in the device with one eye at a time. There will be a flash of light indicating that the images have been taken.
Images are then saved so your ophthalmologist can compare them year after year to monitor for any changes in your retina. These images also allow your ophthalmologist to view more of the retina compared to other technologies.
FAQs about Optomap
What are the benefits of Optomap?
Optomap allows your doctor to detect problems regarding your health quickly through a non-invasive and overall comfortable procedure. Images of the retina can also be saved to compare them after future exams.
Why are retina exams important?
Many diseases can be present without you feeling any symptoms, so early detection is vital to protect your overall health as well as your eye health.
Are there side effects of Optomap?
No, there are no side effects of the Optomap procedure, as images are taken through a non-invasive and low-intensity laser.
Is Optomap safe for children?
Yes, Optomap is safe for children, and in fact, retinal imaging such as Optomap is an important part of a child’s regular eye exam.
Does Optomap hurt?
No, the Optomap procedure is completely painless and is completed in only a few seconds.
How often should I have an Optomap?
Dr. Nguyen will advise when you should have an Optomap taken, however, it is generally recommended as part of your routine eye exam.
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nguyen at Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology, call (703) 912-0504 or request your appointment through our online form.
