Which Diseases are Detected by Optomap Retinal Scan?
Eye health remains a critical attribute of people’s overall health. A regular comprehensive eye exam is advisable to help detect vision problems early on, thus preventing severe complications that could lead to vision loss. It is necessary to undergo retinal scans when you have the slightest symptoms of eye disorders. You can see an optometrist in Scarborough to get comprehensive retinal exams.
Optomap is a digital retinal imaging technique that is fast, painless, and efficient. Doctors use it to view inside the eyes to detect any changes that could indicate vision problems. This technique uses advanced technology to detect symptoms of eye disorders without using the drop and dilation technique used traditionally.
Do you know where to get an optomap retinal Scan in Scarborough? Worry no more. Visit Dr Allyson Tang, Optometrist – Scarborough. She has extensive experience dealing with eye disorders and vision problems.
How does Optomap Retinal Scan Work?
Ideally, this scan works by capturing an image of the retina, thanks to the Optos technology developed two decades ago. The patient first looks into the optomap gadget and directly at an LED target. The retina is displayed on a touch screen that the doctor touches to capture the image of the retina. It’s like taking a photo.
When looking at the LED target, a series of red and green lasers are projected, and the scans begin. Multiple images are captured using different wavelengths of laser light. In the end, the doctor has a wide, high-resolution image of the retina. The whole process takes roughly one minute for each eye. It’s worth noting that many Optos machines offer similar imaging techniques. These efficient instruments give the doctor about six different views of the retina.
What Diseases can be detected using an Optomap Retinal Scan?
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration causes some changes to the retina, which can be detected during a retinal imaging examination. AMD is a major cause of vision loss in people over 50 years. The symptoms include blurry vision, reduced vision quality, whiteout in the vision field, distortion of straight lines, and blood or fluid leakage from some blood vessels in the eye. The imaging scan shows retinal deposits of fluid and geographic atrophy.
- Glaucoma Disease
Symptoms and signs of glaucoma disease are usually detected during a digital retinal imaging exam. This condition causes damage to the optic nerve due to high pressure in the blood vessels in the eye. Images from the scan show the appearance of the optic and the underlying damage to the optic nerve. It shows the thickness of the nerve fiber layer. Since glaucoma is characterized by thinning of the nerve fiber layer, it is easily detected. Glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.
- High blood pressure
High blood pressure is not detected easily. It can go on for years without individuals realizing they have the condition. An optomap digital imaging scan indicates signs of the disease in the eyes, thus making early detection possible. The symptoms that can be captured include raptured or thickened blood vessels, bleeding blood vessels and retinal spots.
- Diabetic retinopathy
An optomap image shows early signs of retinal damage in diabetic patients. Symptoms of this condition include vision loss, blurry/fluctuating vision, floaters, and dark areas in vision. An eye specialist checks for swelling or leakage from retinal blood vessels and the formation of new blood vessels in the eye from the scan.
Other Conditions Include
- Retinal detachment
- Tumours and lesions
- Retinal dystrophies
- Pediatric retinal disorders
- Uveitis
- Posterior vitreous detachment
How often should you go for a retinal scan?
Doctors recommend frequent retinal scans based on your age in the absence of vision problems or symptoms of vision problems.
| Age | Frequency of retinal scans |
|---|---|
| 20 – 39 | Every five years |
| 40 – 54 | Every 2 – 4 years |
| 55 – 64 | Every 1 – 3 years |
| 65+ | Every 1 – 2 years |
However, there are some exceptions. If you wear glasses, have a chronic condition that increases your risk of eye disease like diabetes, and have a family history of eye diseases. If you fall into this category, you should have more frequent eye scans.
Can optomap retinal scans detect brain tumors?
Even though a retinal scan cannot detect brain tumors, it can help diagnose them. The doctor first assesses the symptoms, and after conducting a comprehensive eye exam, they rule out eye problems. They recommend additional scans, such as a brain scan if symptoms persist.