Technology
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNOLOGY
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Optomap retinal examIn our continued effort to bring the most advanced technology available to our patients, Insight Optometry Group is extremely proud to announce the new Optomap Laser Retinal Scan as an integral part of your eye examination.Your doctor’s ability to complete a thorough retinal evaluation is enhanced by this amazing new imaging technique. Eye conditions such as asymptomatic retinal holes/detachments, macular degeneration, glaucoma, as well as systemic conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, or vascular disorders can all lead to serious eye health issues and loss of sight or blindness. The eye issues associated with these conditions often develop without warning and progress with no symptoms. The Optomap Laser Retinal exam is recommended for all patients, even if you have no known health issues and provides:
Optomap FAQ'sHow long has Optomap been around?The Optomap was approved by the FDA in 1999. How many offices have this technology? There are only 3 in Nova Scotia. There are now about 100 in Canada. Do I “need” to have this done? Your doctor highly recommends that you do… our doctors feel this is now an important tool for them to use as part of a complete examination. It gives them retinal views that are not possible with any other technique. It is amazing technology. How soon will the doctor see the results? Your doctor will have the results immediately, and you will be able to view this image with him in the examination room. Why is it important for the doctor to look at the retina? Your retina is one of the most important tissues in your eye, and it is susceptible to many diseases. It’s essential to find problems early in order to prevent progressive disease and sight loss. It will also be the first digital image which will be compared each visit as images are re-taken. If I don’t have the Optomap scan done, will I still get a good eye examination? Of course your doctor will give you a thorough eye examination, however you should know that our doctors feel this is now an important tool for them to use as part of a complete examination. It gives them retinal views that are not possible with any other technique. It is amazing technology. Can my child be tested? Yes, this instrument is particularly helpful for children. Can I wear my contact lenses during the Optomap exam? Yes. I don’t have any complaints…I see well…why should I get this? This is a very new tool that the doctors have been finding invaluable as part of a thorough eye health examination. When detected early enough, many retinal problems can be treated to avoid sight loss. However, once a retinal problem has caused sight loss, it is almost never reversible. Early detection is vital to preserving good eye health. How long will the Optomap take? About 5 minutes. If I have this done, will I still need to have my pupils dilated? Pupil dilation can still be a necessary part of the eye exam for some patients, although with the Optomap scanning, the doctors are finding they require the pupil dilation procedure less often. I was dilated during my last exam; do I need this today? In spite of your dilation last visit, this is a very new tool that the doctors have been finding invaluable as part of a thorough eye health examination. It will also form a permanent digital record which will be compared each visit in the future. I had photographs taken of my retina last visit; Is this the same thing? Why do I need this again? The Optomap laser retinal scanner takes a very different image of your retina which can be viewed with a variety of different filters/magnification/imaging techniques. It is quite different than the photograph you had done. Both may, in fact, be useful or necessary. One of the biggest differences is how much of the retina is seen in each image. The photograph captures 30 degrees; The Optomap captures 200 degrees! Your doctor will share this image with you in the examination room. Can I drive afterwards? The Optomap examination will not blur your vision or make you sensitive to light. Does it hurt? No, the Optomap is completely comfortable for you. Can the Optomap cause any damage? No, the Optomap causes no damage and has been approved by the FDA since 1999. Everyone in the office has had it done. How often is it recommended to have an Optomap done? The Optomap should be part of every comprehensive eye examination during each visit. Will this change my prescription? The Optomap will not change the health or focus of your eyes in any way…it will only assist your doctor to better diagnose the health of your retina. Can I have a copy of my test? Yes, a copy of the image can be emailed to you. I am pregnant. Can I still have this test done? Yes. There are no risks to pregnancy. |