Beyond the Dilation Drops: How Optos Ultra-Widefield Imaging Detects Eye Disease Early

Many eye diseases develop quietly, with few noticeable symptoms during their earliest stages. At Linden Optometry, we use Optos ultra-widefield retinal imaging to gain a detailed view of the retina and identify changes that may require closer attention. This advanced technology supports early eye disease detection for patients throughout Pasadena.

What Is Optos Ultra-Widefield Imaging?

Optos technology captures a high-resolution digital image of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. A single optomap image can show approximately 200 degrees, or more than 80 percent, of the retina. This includes peripheral areas that can be difficult to examine using traditional retinal imaging alone.

The process is quick, noninvasive, and does not involve touching the eye. Patients look into the camera device while an image is captured in less than a second. Our Pasadena optometrists can then review the image with the patient and explain any findings.

How Optos Supports Early Eye Disease Detection

Some retinal changes begin in the outer edges of the retina before they affect central vision. Because Optos ultra-widefield imaging provides a broader view, it can help us identify, document, and monitor areas that may not cause immediate symptoms.

Optos imaging may help reveal signs associated with:

•          Diabetic retinopathy and retinal blood vessel changes

•          Retinal holes, tears, or detachments

•          Age-related macular degeneration

•          Glaucoma and optic nerve changes

•          Inflammation or other retinal abnormalities

Early detection allows us to recommend additional testing, monitor changes over time, or refer the patient to a specialist when necessary.

Does Optos Replace Eye Dilation?

Optos imaging provides valuable information as a screening tool and for image documentation, but it does not replace dilation in every scenario. Our optometrist may still recommend dilation based on your age, symptoms, medical history, risk factors, or retinal findings.

Instead, Optos does create digital records that our optometrists can utilize to identify subtle changes that may develop between visits.

Who Can Benefit from Optos Imaging?

There is no absolute contraindication to Optos imaging.   However, we do ask patients who may suffer from severe migraine, photosensitive Epilepsy, and seizure to let our staff and optometrist know prior to retinal imaging.

Ultra-widefield retinal imaging can be helpful for patients of many ages, including those who have diabetes, high blood pressure, high myopia, a family history of eye disease, or previous retinal concerns. It can also be beneficial for patients experiencing flashes, new floaters, blurred vision, or changes in peripheral vision.

Under 18 and have fantastic vision?   It is still beneficial to have a baseline image of the retina in childhood/adolescent years.   Preventive care is better than reactive care.

Even when your vision seems clear, an annual comprehensive eye exam in Pasadena can uncover changes that are not yet affecting daily sight. At Linden Optometry, Optos imaging helps our doctors examine more of the retina while providing patients with a clearer understanding of their eye health.

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam and Optos retinal imaging with Linden Optometry to detect early signs of eye disease and protect your long-term vision. Visit our office in Pasadena, CA, or call (626) 796-1191 to book an appointment today.