As mentioned in a previous Clarity Vision blog called “Dilation vs. Optomap,” Optomap technology offers many benefits as part of your routine eye exam. These advantages of digital retinal imaging are particularly noteworthy when compared to traditional dilation. Below, we expand on our series on this subject by exploring the many Optomap benefits.
 

1. Optomap technology provides the most comprehensive view of your retina.

One of the greatest Optomap benefits is the 200-degree view of your retina that this imaging study provides. Through Optomap technology, your vision care professional can see 83 percent of your retina for thorough eye health monitoring. Further, the results enable enlargement and isolation of specific regions of the images, in addition to easy comparison to past results.
 

2. With Optomap, you often do not need dilation.

Dilation can seem disruptive to your busy life, particularly when you have daily responsibilities to fulfill after your eye exam. But with Optomap technology, you do not have to undergo this traditional method of viewing your retina. That is, unless you have specific retinal disease symptoms or other factors indicating need to dilate. Of course, sometimes dilating your eyes is also important for another view of your eye health.
 

3. Optomap is safe, pain-free, sanitary and quick.

Optomap benefits include the method being safe, pain-free, sanitary and quick. Accordingly, in just half a second, your Optomap images are ready for viewing by your eye doctor. There is no subtle stinging in your eye, as sometimes occurs with dilation.
 

4. Optomap benefits people of all ages.

Patients of all ages can enjoy Optomap benefits. Hence, the technology works for toddlers through senior citizens as part of routine eye exams.
 

5. You can learn from your own Optomap images.

One of the greatest Optomap benefits is your ability to see the images, yourself. Unlike other methods used in an eye exam, this technology provides a tool with which your eye doctor can educate you about your eye health.
 

6. The imaging does not affect your vision.

Dilation is inconvenient in how it leaves your vision blurry with light sensitivity for the rest of your day. Unlike this traditional method, Optomap does not disrupt your schedule. You do not experience these kinds of side effects with the imaging studies.
 

7. Optomap benefits include enabling your eye doctor to catch signs of disease or disorders early.

Because most retinal diseases do not provide symptoms like pain, you can have a condition developing without even knowing it. But through Optomap technology, your optometrist can detect these issues like macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other conditions earlier. As a result, they can also treat destructive conditions early enough to preserve your eye health. Through your images, your practitioner can find signs of other physical diseases unrelated to your eyes earlier, too.
 

8. Optomap technology is safe during pregnancy.

Pregnant women typically do not undergo eye dilation unless absolutely necessary for their eye health. Another noteworthy Optomap benefit is that the technology is safe for your baby’s well-being and development.
 

9. Optomap makes more of your retina visible to your eye doctor.

One Optomap image provides a view of up to 82 percent of your retina. Other types of imaging only provide between 12 and 60 percent of the view. When your eye doctor wants to see a specific region of your retina, they can request that the technician zooms in on those areas for a detailed look.
 

10. Optomap is tangible.

Your Optomap images become a part of your eye health file in your eye doctor’s office or computer system. This makes them portable from one health care provider to the next, or easy to access when you need to see a specialist. It also means you can have a clear view of your eye health over an extended period of time, comparing images for signs of condition progression. You can even receive a copy of your own Optomap photo by email, if desired.
 

Take Advantage of the Many Optomap Benefits

As you can see, there are many Optomap benefits. These are just a small collection of the reasons why your eye doctor uses Optomap technology. Remember, not all optometrists have access to this expensive equipment and technology. But wherever you live in North Carolina or southeast Virginia, you have access to Optomap at your nearest Clarity Vision Eye Care Center.

Our locations offering Optomap benefits include:

• Smithfield, NC

• Holly Springs, NC

• Apex, NC

• Clayton, NC

• Williamston, NC

• Suffolk, VA

Find your nearest Clarity Vision today and schedule your next eye exam.