Optomap vs. Dilation: What’s the Difference?
At most eye exams, your doctor wants a good look at the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye. That is where signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, macular degeneration, retinal tears and other problems first show up. There are two main ways to see it: Optomap retinal imaging and dilation.
What is Optomap?
Optomap is an ultra-widefield retinal camera. In a quick, painless photo, it captures about 200 degrees of the retina, roughly 80 percent of it, in a single image. Nothing touches your eye, and there are no drops, so your vision is not blurred afterward.
Because the image is saved, your doctor can review it with you in the exam room and compare it with future images to spot small changes over time.
What is dilation?
Dilating drops widen the pupil so the doctor can look through it with special lenses and a bright light. It gives a live, three-dimensional view, especially of the far edges of the retina where tears and detachments start.
The trade-off is that your eyes stay blurry and sensitive to light for a few hours, so you may need sunglasses and a driver.
Which do you need?
For many routine exams, Optomap gives your doctor an excellent view without the inconvenience of dilation. Dilation is still the right choice in some situations, such as:
- New flashes of light or floaters, which need a careful look for retinal tears. Flashes and floaters.
- Diabetes, for a full diabetic eye exam. Diabetic eye exams.
- Something suspicious on an image that your doctor wants to examine directly.
- Children, when special drops are needed to measure a prescription accurately.
Optomap and dilation work well together: the image gives a wide record, and dilation lets the doctor examine a specific area up close. Your doctor will tell you which one your eyes need.
Optomap at Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists
Optomap is available at every Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists office for $39. Dilation is done only when your doctor needs it, not at every exam. Comprehensive eye exams.
Questions from former patients
Does Optomap replace dilation?
Not always. Optomap gives a wide image of the retina without drops and is excellent for many routine exams. Dilation is still needed in some cases, such as new flashes or floaters, diabetic eye exams, or when the doctor needs a closer look at a specific area.
Does Optomap hurt?
No. It is a quick photo. Nothing touches your eye, and there are no drops.
How much does Optomap cost?
Optomap is available at every Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists office for $39.
How long does dilation last?
Usually a few hours. Your vision may be blurry and sensitive to light, so bring sunglasses and plan for a driver if you need one.