Optos ultra-widefield (UWF™) retinal imaging (also known as an optomap image) enables eyecare professionals to discover, diagnose, document, and treat ocular pathology that may first present in the periphery - pathology which may go undetected using traditional examination techniques and equipment.
What is an optomap Image?
An optomap is an image of the retina, the only place in the body where blood vessels can be seen directly. In addition to eye conditions, signs of other diseases (for example, stroke, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes) may also be detected in the retina. Early signs of these conditions can show on the retina long before any visual or other symptoms are revealed. While eye exams generally include a look at the front of the eye to evaluate health and prescription changes, a thorough screening of the retina is critical to verify eye health.
optomap imaging is fast, safe, and effective and allows for easy imaging of both adults and children. To have the exam, a patient simply looks into the device one eye at a time (like looking through a keyhole), and a quick flash of light confirms the image of the retina has been captured.
Benefits of an optomap image
The benefits of having an optomap ultra-widefield retinal image taken include:
- Provides early protection of vision impairment or blindness
- Early detection of life-threatening diseases like cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular disease
- The unique optomap ultra-widefield view helps eyecare practitioners detect early signs of retinal disease more effectively and efficiently than with traditional eye exams.
- Early detection means successful treatments can be administered and reduces the risk to sight and health.
The story behind optomap
In 1990, Optos founder Douglas Anderson’s 5-year-old son, Leif, lost all vision in his left eye. Despite regular eye exams, a spontaneous retinal detachment had gone undetected near the edge of his retina where the eye doctor could not see it.
During follow-up exams, in attempts to protect Leif’s other eye, the doctor conceded that he could see only glimpses of the peripheral retina. Like many children, Leif had trouble fixating in order to receive an effective exam. Hereafter, Douglas set out to invent technology to image the entire retina effectively and easily.
A prototype was unveiled three (3) years later, and Douglas founded a new company, which Leif named “Optos” the Greek word for vision.
Today, Optos technology offers an unrivaled combination of field-of-view and imaging speed. More than 20,000 Optos devices are in use worldwide, and millions of patients have benefited from optomap UWF imaging.
Optos is dedicated to helping health care professionals save sight, to educating doctors and the public about the importance of UWF retinal imaging, and to help ensure every patient has regular access to optomap imaging. Contact us learn more about adding optomap technology to your practice, or visit our website to learn where you can receive an optomap retinal imaging exam today.