Eye and vision examinations are an important part of preventive health care. Many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms. As a result, individuals are often unaware that problems exist. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems are important for maintaining good vision and eye health, and when possible, preventing vision loss.

The 21st Century has brought the eye care industry exciting new technology that is utilized not only for the management of specific eye conditions but also in routine exams to improve the ability of early diagnosis. These technologies include ultrasound, scanning lasers and specialized photography to name a few. Today we will discuss what's done in a routine eye health and vision exam and describe a relatively new technology for retinal evaluation called Optomap Retinal Exam. Today's discussion will emphasize the eye health evaluation.

A comprehensive eye and vision examination may include, but is not limited to, the following tests: Patient history, visual acuity, preliminary tests for depth perception, color vision, eye muscle movements, peripheral or side vision, pupil function, keratometry (this test measures the curvature of the cornea), eye focusing, eye teaming, and eye movement testing, and refraction (glasses prescription). Individual patient signs and symptoms, along with the professional judgment of the doctor, will significantly influence the testing done.

Eye Health Evaluation
External examination of the eye with a biomicroscope includes evaluation of the cornea, eyelids, conjunctiva and surrounding eye tissue using bright light and magnification.

Evaluation of the lens, retina and posterior section of the eye is performed with a biomicroscope and specialized diagnostic lenses. Measurement of eye pressure (tonometry) is performed to rule out glaucoma. Normal eye pressures range from 10 to 21 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), averaging about 14 to 16 mm Hg. Anyone with eye pressure greater than 22 mm Hg is at an increased risk of developing glaucoma, although many people with normal pressure also develop glaucoma.

Optomap Retinal Exam
The Optomap Retinal Exam is unique in that it gives eyecare professionals a much larger view (200 degrees) of the back of the eye vs. conventional eye exam equipment for specifically evaluating the optic nerve and retina. The specialized photograph can be taken through an undilated pupil. As the doctor and patient review the findings, computerized manipulation of the photograph can enhance the view of specific areas of the retina helping with diagnosis and management as well as patient education.

Each Optomap image is as individual as fingerprints or DNA and can provide eye care professionals with a unique view of your health very quickly and comfortably. The Optomap image is captured in less than one second and is immediately available for review. Some of the eye conditions that can be diagnosed or evaluated include glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, macular hole, hypertension retinopathy, retinal health after trauma, and optic nerve disease. We recommend the testing be performed on all patients including children. Using the internet, the image can be sent anywhere in the world for a specialist to review.

The Optomap Retinal Exam offers many advantages including:

• Provides an ultra-widefield view of the retina
• Comfortable and quick image capture
• Non-invasive
• Helps you understand your eye health
• Provides permanent records for future comparison
• Patient can resume normal activities immediately

Cockrell Eyecare utilizes the Optomap Retinal Exam routinely and offers it to each patient during their eye exam. We invite you to visit our Eye To Eye next week to read about specific cases and patient experiences where this technology was of great benefit to our patients. If you are interested in learning more about this technology please contact our offices in Stillwater @ 405-372-1715 or Pawnee @ 918-762-2573.