Optomap
At Hill Vision, we embrace the latest in eye health technology, meaning our patients receive the best possible care available. Our state-of-the-art tools include the Optomap imaging system, which captures a wide-field digital image of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye responsible for processing what you see.
By examining this important part of your eye in minute detail, we can detect potential problems before they affect your vision.
What is Optomap?
This specialised retinal imaging device is designed to capture a comprehensive view of your retina in just seconds. Using laser technology, it can display up to 82% of your retina in a single image, giving us a detailed and accurate insight into the health of your eye.
The process is quick, non-invasive, and often eliminates the need for pupil dilation, making it a more comfortable and efficient way to assess your eye health.
What are the benefits of Optomap?
Its detailed imaging capabilities allow us to detect potential issues early, in areas that are difficult to examine with traditional methods. This includes conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy before they impact your vision. The sooner we identify them, the sooner we can provide timely treatment, reducing the risk to both your eyesight and overall health.
Additionally, by comparing images from different visits, we can track changes in your retina over time, helping us spot potential problems earlier and ensure your eye health is continuously monitored.
What can Optomap diagnose?
Optomap helps us diagnose and monitor a range issues, including:
Glaucoma: A condition where the pressure inside the eye increases, potentially damaging the optic nerve.
Macular degeneration: A leading cause of vision loss, macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina (the macula), leading to blurry or loss of central vision.
Diabetic retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina and can result in blindness if untreated.
Retinal tears or detachments: Tears or detachments in the retina can cause vision loss and require immediate attention.
Eye tumours: Optomap can help detect unusual growths or abnormalities in the retina that might indicate the presence of tumours.
The difference between Optomap and OCT
Similarly, optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a device we use to capture detailed pictures of the retina. However, unlike the wide-field views captured by Optomap, OCT offers a cross-sectional image of the retina, allowing us to study its intricate layers. It is particularly useful for diagnosing and monitoring macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.