What is an Optomap?

At Look + See Vision, we conduct our routine eye exams using the Optomap, an ultra-wide digital retinal imaging system.

…a what?

Basically, the Optomap is a machine that takes the dilation out of your comprehensive eye exam. So, it’s pretty great.

Optomap Technology

Viewing the retina is crucial in the detection of many eye issues such as retinal tears or detachment, as well early detection of diseases like diabetes and glaucoma. The Optomap was created in 1990 to provide a more accurate, efficient and comfortable way to examine the retina.

While traditional retinal exam imaging methods only capture 15% of your retina, the Optomap captures over 80% of the retina through panoramic photo-imaging. The images are captured using different laser light wavelengths and then displayed for immediate viewing.

Using the Optomap

When we use the Optomap in your exam, you will simply place your eye up next to the Optomap to be photographed. It takes just a quarter of a second to snap a shot of your retina and nothing touches your eye or puffs into it. The process only involves a brief flash of light that does not agitate even the most light-sensitive of eyes.

The best part, of course, is that the eye does not have to be dilated when using the Optomap. So, for those who don’t respond well to dilation or eye drops, or simply can’t sit comfortably with dilated eyes, the Optomap is a real game-changer. This also means that you won’t have to deal with the side effects of dilation for hours after your eye exam. Because we want you to get some of our fashion shades and wear them because you want to, not because you have to protect your dilated eyes behind them!

The comfort and ease of the Optomap lends itself well to children’s exams, too. In fact, founder Douglas Anderson created the optomap to offer a more thorough and comfortable exam alternative after his five year old son went blind from undetected retinal detachment. Now, we get to use that technology to make sure all of our exams are as thorough and accurate as possible.

Not all optometrist offices around Austin offer this technology, so we’re happy to be able to bring this type of convenience, comfort, and care to all of our patients at Look + See Vision!