The Benefits of Optomap Retinal Imaging Over Traditional Dilation

At Iris Bright Optometry, we believe in using cutting-edge technology to make your eye exam as informative, comfortable, and thorough as possible. We offer Optomap Retinal Imaging, a revolutionary way to examine your retina without the need for traditional dilation. For many of our patients, this has been a game-changer in both their experience and their eye health outcomes.
 

What Is Optomap Retinal Imaging?

Optomap is an ultra-widefield digital imaging system that captures more than 80% of your retina in a single image - without the need to dilate your eyes. Using low-powered scanning laser technology (not to be confused with surgical lasers), it provides a high-resolution, panoramic view of the inside of your eye. The scan is quick, non-invasive, and completely safe.
 

The Benefits of Optomap

Traditional dilation requires eye drops that temporarily enlarge the pupil, allowing the doctor to see the back of the eye. While effective, it comes with several inconveniences such as blurry vision, light sensitivity, and time-consuming recovery that can interfere with your day. Optomap, on the other hand, offers:
 

• Speed and Convenience: The scan takes less than a minute, and there's no recovery time. You can return to work, drive, or run errands without discomfort.

• No Blurry Vision or Light Sensitivity: Because your pupils remain unaffected, there’s no need for sunglasses or a driver afterward.

• More Comprehensive View: Optomap captures a wider area of the retina than traditional methods, allowing us to detect subtle issues that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Is Optomap Retinal Imaging Safe?

We often hear concerns from expectant mothers about whether they can safely have their eyes examined. Optomap is an ideal solution, there are no eye drops involved, no medications, and no exposure to harmful lasers, making it a safe choice during pregnancy. For children, the ease and speed of the test make it a stress-free experience. There’s no stinging from drops and no waiting in a dark room - just a simple image taken in seconds. Optomap does not use a cutting or burning laser. The scanning laser technology is safe, painless, and designed only for imaging purposes.
 

What Can It Detect?

Retinal imaging with Optomap can reveal early signs of serious conditions, often before symptoms appear. These include:
 

• Diabetic retinopathy

• Hypertensive retinopathy

• Retinal tears or detachments

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

• Glaucoma

At Iris Bright Optometry, we’re especially focused on proactive eye care. By incorporating Optomap into our comprehensive eye exams, we’re better equipped to track changes over time, catch diseases earlier, and provide personalized treatment plans based on your eye health history.

Even though Optomap retinal imaging provides a detailed view of the back of your eye, it doesn't always replace dilation. Your eye doctor may still need to dilate your eyes to fully assess your retinal health. 

Prioritize Your Eye Health with Confidence

At Iris Bright Optometry, we’re committed to making your eye care experience as thorough, comfortable, and informative as possible. Optomap retinal imaging allows us to detect early signs of eye disease without the inconvenience of dilation, making it easier for you to stay on top of your vision health.
 

Reach out to Iris Bright Optometry to schedule your exam and ask about Optomap retinal imaging. Contact either of our offices in Irvine, CA at (949) 585-9403 or in El Cajon, CA at (619) 447-8494 to book an appointment today. We accept most vision insurance.