At Iowa EyeCare we provide our patients with the latest technology. The Optomap® retinal exam gives our eye doctors a complete view of the light-sensitive retina in the back of the eye.
Who should have it done?
The eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare have first-hand experience with all types of eye disease. These diseases are not restricted to any one race, sex, or age group. At Iowa EyeCare we recommend the Optomap® retinal exam to all of our patients.
Why is a retinal exam important?
The retina is a place where small vessels and nerves can be viewed directly. Sometimes eye and whole-body conditions can be detected before a patient begins to have symptoms. As you might guess, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases cannot be diagnosed without looking inside the eye. Retinal exams have also helped to diagnose diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, and many other life-threatening diseases. Early detection and treatment of these conditions can greatly impact the prognosis.
How are Optomap® images taken?
Before going to the exam room, the doctor’s assistant captures an image using a large camera. The quality of the image is briefly evaluated and, if the image looks good, the same thing is repeated on the other eye. Those pictures are digitally transferred to the exam room where your eye doctor reviews them with you.
Does the Optomap® replace dilation?
The Optomap is not necessarily a replacement for dilation. The Optomap® pictures are a tool that the eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare use in addition to dilation. For some conditions routine dilation is required. However, dilation is known to cause temporary loss of near vision and light sensitivity. Our eye doctors take advantage of the Optomap when a patient can't, or doesn't want to be dilated.
Contact us to schedule your Optomap retinal exam today.