optomap® eye scan
What is an optomap eye scan?
Our optomap eye scan gives our most comprehensive view of your eye health, which alongside our eye tests & OCT scans can help to detect a number of health conditions.
An optomap eye scan is essentially a photograph of the back of the eye (retina). Whereas conventional images only allow the optometrist to see a 15% / 45 degree view of the retina at a time, which is a small area, optomap shows up to a 82% / 200 degree view of your retina in one single photograph, giving the optometrist a more in-depth view of your eye sight & eye health.
optomap is quick, non-invasive & painless which makes this process fast & comprehensive. You simply look into the device, one eye at a time & a flash of light indicates that the image of your retina has been taken – it is similar to having a photograph taken.
Book an eye test online today & add an optomap to your eye test in store
Top benefits to having an optomap exam
• optomap captures up to 82% of the retina in one view, compared to 15% with traditional eye tests
• Helps to protect your sight & eye health
• Quick & painless – nothing touches your eye at any time
• Suitable for patients of all ages
• Allows you to see a view of your retina in 3D animation
How optomap helps check for other health conditions
The eye is the only place where your blood vessels can be viewed directly & these blood vessels can provide important information about your overall health.
Diabetes can affect your eyes in many ways. Some people with diabetes may go on to develop a complication called diabetic retinopathy where the blood vessels in the eye become damaged as a result of consistently high blood glucose (sugar) levels. If left untreated, these changes to the blood vessels can affect vision.
High blood pressure (hypertension), affects many people, & over time, if not controlled, can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes. Hypertensive Retinopathy is the name of the eye disease associated with high blood pressure & symptoms are often not noticeable in the early stages.
Eye strokes can occur when a blood vessel within the retina is blocked. Depending on the location of the blocked vessel, this can lead to a reduction or loss of vision, which in some cases may be permanent.
Adding optomap to your eye examination will allow the optometrist to see more than 80% of your retina in one image & help in the detection & monitoring of these conditions.
optomap is beneficial for children, too
Eye diseases in children are rare & the vast majority of children have healthy eyes.
A small number of children may be born with, or go on to develop, eye disease which may not be obvious in the early stages.
Adding optomap to your child's eye examination will help the optometrist to see more of your child's retina in one image & monitor any changes over time.
The discovery of optomap
Did you know, this exam was created by a father whose child lost sight in one eye due to an undetected retinal detachment?
In 1992, Douglas Anderson OBE founded Optos after his then five-year-old son lost vision in one eye because a retinal issue wasn’t caught early enough. Despite regular eye exams, standard tests didn’t allow for a full view of the retina in one go. A wider field of view might have led to an earlier diagnosis.
Motivated by this, Anderson set out to develop a more comfortable & effective way to view the entire retina in one image, leading to the creation of optomap.
How long has optomap been available?
optomap is CE Marked & has been available in the UK since 1999.
How many practices have this technology?
There are over 10,000 installed devices worldwide.
How soon will the optometrist see the results?
The optometrist will review the results with you shortly after.
Why is it important for the optometrist to look at the retina?
The sensitive tissue that makes up the retina is susceptible to a variety of diseases & it is essential to catch any problems early in their progression to avoid vision loss.
Can my child be tested?
Yes.
Can I wear my contact lenses during the optomap exam?
Yes.
Will it tell me if I have cataracts?
No, optomap looks at the retina which is at the back of your eye & cataracts develop in the lens which is situated closer to the front of your eye. Your optometrist will use different equipment to examine your lens.
I don’t have any complaints; I see well, why should I get this?
Some eye disorders do not cause pain or other symptoms. When detected early enough, many retinal problems can be treated to help avoid vision loss. Early detection is vital to preserving good eye health.
I have a family history of diabetes, should I have this done? Why?
It is particularly important for people who are at risk of diabetes to have an optomap since they are prone to problems with the retina that could lead to vision loss.
Can I drive after the exam?
Generally, yes. The optomap exam will not blur your vision or make you sensitive to light. However if you are dilated in combination with optomap, we recommend that you do not drive for 1 – 2 hours or as recommended by your optometrist.
Does this hurt?
No, the optomap should be very comfortable for you.
Can taking an optomap cause any damage?
No, you will just notice a flash like a photograph.
How often is it recommended to have an optomap done?
We recommend that optomap should be part of every eye exam to help monitor any changes to eye health. Note: Patients with diabetes or known pathology & who are being managed by their optometrists should be careful to follow the schedule recommended by their optometrist.
Is it sanitary?
Yes. The eyepieces are cleaned with alcohol wipes.
Will this change my prescription?
optomap will not change the current prescription.
Can I have a copy of my test?
A PDF report of your optomap image can be emailed to you on request. Please speak to a member of the store team
I am pregnant; can I have the test done?
Yes.
I don't pay for my eyesight test – do I still have to pay for an optomap?
Yes, unfortunately, the NHS does not cover advanced diagnostic screening.
