When you schedule your annual eye exam, you can expect to go through several tests. Most of the tests are simple and comfortable. Eye doctors at Clarity Vision conduct a thorough examination to ensure that your vision is good and your eyes are healthy. But there is a test that most people would rather avoid—eye dilation. 

If you avoid eye exams like most people, you need to know about retinal imaging without dilating drops. 

Examining the Retina

Finding out the retina's health is one of the most crucial parts of an eye exam. A retina consists of blood vessels and nerve cells connected to the body and brain. Examining the retina can give the doctor a view into an individual's overall health.

It is the only part of the body where doctors can see blood vessels without operating on the body. Eye doctors can detect health conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension from an eye exam.  

Understanding Eye Dilation

Many people consider dilation inconvenient, but it is essential for an eye exam. It involves using eye drops that help dilate the eyes. It allows the eye doctor to get a clear view of the retina, vessels, and optic nerve. After opening the iris, the doctor uses lenses and a bright light to examine the blood vessels and nerves. 

It can help detect signs of disease or damage. For years, dilating the eyes using eye drops was the only way to view the eye effectively. Unfortunately, eye drops can cause discomfort for most people.

Optomap Retinal Imaging 

For patients who want to get eye exams without dilation, Optomap® retinal imaging is the solution. Developed by Optos, the exciting Optomap technology allows doctors to conduct comprehensive eye exams without eye drops. Retinal imaging produces a digital view of the retina. 

A scanning laser ophthalmoscope takes a digital scan of the retina. The doctor completes the non-invasive test in a few seconds. The different wavelengths capture an image viewed on a monitor, and it can be filtered and evaluated in layers. 

Benefits of Optomap Imaging

There are several reasons why Optomap may be better than dilation. The benefits of the technology include convenience, comfort, effectiveness, and the ability to provide a broad view. The scan takes a few seconds, and it is non-invasive. You can view the images of the retina immediately, helping save time. You can view 80 percent of the retina in a single image. The imaging device allows the scanned images to be stored for future comparisons. 

Using Optomap Technology

The Optomap technology is gaining popularity, but that does not mean that dilation is no longer in use. Many practitioners still use dilation as the Optomap technology is costly. The practices that offer Optomap must charge extra for the test to cover the cost.

Some eye specialists also feel that the peripheral image captured is difficult to view in a regular exam. The image can sometimes appear distorted, making it hard to interpret the results.

People who find it challenging to have their eyes dilated will benefit from Optomap. However, the technology is not a complete substitute for dilation. Many eye specialists still recommend dilated eye exams in many situations. 

For more on whether Optomap is better than dilation, call Clarity Vision at our office in Smithfield, at (919) 737-7200 to schedule an appointment today.