Optos Widefield Scanning Laser

Optos Optomap Widefield Scanning Laser is a low-powered laser that digitally scans the retina, much like a photograph. However, because the Optos is a scanning laser, it allows Dr. Court and Michelle to see the retina in a widefield view, which is otherwise unobtainable.  In other words, they can see almost the entire retina in one image, rather than a series of images or views with various instruments.  The procedure is non-invasive, painless and takes less than a minute. Patients simply look into the device, one eye at a time, sort of like looking through a key hole, and wait until the see a gentle flash of light. This gentle flash is the Optos capturing a wide-angle image of the retina.  These images are closely reviewed for any abnormalities.  Optos offers patients a revolutionary exam for early retinal disease detection.  These images are so important in the evaluation of ocular heath, they are part of our eye wellness examinations. 

Healthy Retina

This is an example of a image of a health retina.  The 200 degree field of view allows our doctors to view up to 80% of the retinal surface compared to only 45 degrees, or about 15%, of the retina at any one time with other technology or examination procedures.

This instrument allows our doctors to see the retina all at one time, but does not always replace the need for dilation.  Dilation allows the doctor to look more closely at any particular area of the retina, and also the ability to see structures in three dimensions; something that digital images don't allow us to see.

Retinal Detachment

This is one example of the type of images Dr. Courtney and Michelle Thelen can see when using the Optos Optomap scanning laser.  

optomap-color-diagnostic-atlas.pdf