OCT & OPTOMAP
Available as part of our extended eye examination, we have invested in in revolutionary diagnostic equipment to detect a number of key eye conditions, such as glaucoma, age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy.
Non-invasive and painless, our state-of-the-art equipment allows our Optometrists to see a larger area of your eye in greater detail. As a result, possible concerns can be identified even earlier.
WHAT IS OCT?
Ocular Coherence Tomography is an advanced eye scan for people of all ages.
Similar to ultrasound, OCT uses light rather than sound waves to illustrate the different layers that make up the back of the eye. This particular 3D OCT unit captures a digital photograph of the surface of the eye at the same time and this can be cross referenced across any areas of concern. The major benefit of this state of the art machine is that it allows your optometrist to see both the back of your eye, and a three dimensional image look beneath the surface of the regular retinal image. Never before, has it been easier to find out the exact state and location of a particular eye condition.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OCT?
Your optometrist can review the images on a PC screen and pin point areas of concern by digitally peeling the layers back until they define what it is that they have identified as requiring further investigation.
Using this machine, your optometrist can more confidently diagnose, manage and refer you to a specialist for further treatment, should this be required. Striving to provide the best eye care, Taylor Biddle Opticians, your local optometrist can now provide this state of the art diagnostic tool with your eye test, if you so desire. There may be an additional charge for the OCT scan, but the benefits are obvious. The software can automatically detect even the most subtle changes in the retina with every eye test you take. This gives an invaluable on- going record of the health and condition of your eyes. Make sure that when booking your next eye test, you ask about an OCT scan.
WHAT IS OPTOMAP?
The OPTOMAP is an ultra-widefield digital retinal imaging system. This unique technology captures more than 80% of your retina in one panoramic 200-degree image, while traditional imaging methods typically only show 15% of your retina at one time.
An OPTOMAP takes only seconds to perform, is painless and comfortable; nothing touches your eye at any time. It is suitable for everyone including children as vision problems often begin at an early age. You can see your own retina – exactly what your eye care practitioner sees – even in a 3D animation and images are ready to view immediately.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OPTOMAP?
Early signs of disease can be present in the periphery of your retina and remain undetected for a long time when using traditional methods. Early detection enables early treatment, for example, retinal tears can be present in the peripheral part of the retina and are not picked up by a standard sight test or photography.
Often the symptoms associated with tears are ‘flashes and/or ‘floaters’. Timely treatment can seal these tears preventing devastating sight loss due to a retinal detachment.
It is advisable to have an Optomap every time you have an eye exam. This will ensure you have a digital record of your retinal health on file which can be compared for changes over time.