Why Optomap Isn’t the Full Picture

Optomap is a fantastic piece of technology that lets us take an ultra-wide image of the back of your eye. It helps us pick up many eye problems quickly and easily. However, it’s important to know that Optomap isn’t perfect and doesn’t replace a full eye examination.
Here’s why:

• It doesn’t capture everything – The image shows a large part of your retina, but not all of it. The very edges (where some problems can occur) may still be missed.
• Distortion at the edges – The picture is stretched in the corners, a bit like a wide-angle camera lens. This can sometimes make things look different from how they really are.
• Not as detailed as dilation – A dilated eye exam still gives us a clearer, more accurate view of certain areas, especially if we’re checking for subtle changes or problems at the far edge of the retina.
• It’s only 2D – Optomap gives us a flat photo, but some conditions (such as early macular disease or changes in the layers of the retina) need a 3D scan (like OCT) or a dilated view to be properly assessed.
• Shadows and artefacts – Eyelids, eyelashes, or cataracts can block parts of the image, leaving gaps we need to check in other ways.
  

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The bottom line: Optomap is a screening tool, but it cannot be a substitiute for a dilated retinal examination.

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Why Dilating Your Eyes Can Still Be Better Than Optomap

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Optomap is an amazing wide-angle camera for the back of your eyes. But sometimes, it doesn’t give us the whole story.
Here’s why we still recommend dilating your eyes for the full picture:

• Fuller view – Dilation lets us see the very edges of your retina, where small tears, holes or detachments can start. Optomap often misses these areas.
• Clearer detail – With dilation, we can examine your retina in natural colour and true detail. Optomap uses lasers to create a picture, which can sometimes miss or distort subtle changes.
• 3D perspective – Looking directly into the eye while dilated allows us to see depth and layers (for example, the vitreous or the optic nerve). Optomap is only a flat image.
• Nothing gets in the way – Eyelids, lashes or cataracts can block parts of an Optomap photo. With dilation, we can move around these and get a direct look.
  
  

To book an Advanced Eye Examination call us on 01279 757767