At Eyecare Optometry of Redondo Beach, we invest in the most advanced diagnostic technology available to give our patients the highest standard of care. The Optos ultra-widefield retinal imaging system is one of the most powerful tools in modern eye care — allowing our doctors to see far more of the retina in a single image than traditional methods allow, and without the discomfort of dilating drops in most cases.
What Is Optos Retinal Imaging?
The Optos device uses a low-powered laser to capture a high-resolution, ultra-widefield image of the retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Traditional retinal imaging captures roughly 15% of the retina in a single image. The Optos system captures up to 82%, providing our doctors with a dramatically more comprehensive view of your retinal health in one scan.
Why It Matters
Many serious eye conditions — including retinal tears, detachments, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and even signs of systemic health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes — can be detected in the peripheral retina. With conventional imaging, these areas are often missed until problems become advanced. The Optos system allows us to identify issues earlier, when they are most treatable.
Benefits of Optos Imaging
- No dilation required in most cases — no blurry vision or light sensitivity afterward
- Ultra-widefield view — captures up to 82% of the retina in one image
- High resolution — fine detail allows for accurate diagnosis and monitoring
- Quick and comfortable — the scan takes only seconds
- Year-over-year comparison — images are stored so we can track changes over time
- Detects conditions earlier — peripheral retinal disease is visible before symptoms develop
What Conditions Can Optos Help Detect?
Optos retinal imaging is a valuable tool for detecting and monitoring a wide range of eye and systemic health conditions, including:
- Retinal tears and detachments
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration (AMD)
- Glaucoma-related changes
- Hypertensive retinopathy (signs of high blood pressure)
- Retinal vein and artery occlusions
- Flashes and floaters evaluation
- Peripheral retinal lesions and tumors
What to Expect During the Scan
The Optos scan is fast, non-invasive, and comfortable. You simply look into the device for a few seconds while the image is captured. No drops or contact with the eye are required. Our doctor will review the images with you and explain any findings in detail. The entire process adds only a few minutes to your comprehensive eye exam.
Is Optos Imaging Right for Me?
We recommend Optos imaging for all patients as part of a comprehensive eye exam, and especially for those with diabetes, high blood pressure, a history of retinal problems, high myopia, or a family history of retinal disease. Ask our team about including Optos imaging at your next visit.