Glaucoma is a common eye disease that can lead to blindness, especially if not detected early and treated. In the US, about 3 million people currently have glaucoma. Like many ocular pathologies, the prevalence of glaucoma increases with age, and it is more common in people of African American descent. About 3% of the population over 50 have glaucoma and that increases to 5% for those over the age of 60 and 8% for those over the age of 70. Glaucoma causes loss of vision in the periphery and is usually not noticed by the person experiencing it because their central vision is unaffected and they can still read, write, drive, and watch TV normally, until the end of the disease right before complete blindness. Early detection is very important to stop the progress of the disease. This can only be done through eye examinations which often includes imaging with Optos devices

Depending on the cause of low vision, there may be medications or surgical alternatives that can help slow disease progression in order to assist in providing as much vision, for as long as possible. Those who think they may have a vision impairment that interferes with their ability to perform everyday activities should see an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam. If your eyecare professional finds that you have vision loss that cannot be corrected adequately with standard eyewear, medical treatment or surgery, they can assist you with your next steps.

Earlier detection and treatment of AMD can prompt steps to be taken to help reduce vision loss and slow the advance of the disease. Data suggests that the retinal periphery can exhibit some important morphological changes, such as peripheral drusen and reticular pigmentary changes, which are frequently connected with the wet form of AMD. Typically, disease progression has been documented using fundus cameras that image only about 45-50% percent of the retina. By using UWF for AMD evaluation, over 80% of the retina is now analyzed to record peripheral fluorescein angiographic changes in AMD patients. Read additional information here regarding these studies or visit our website to learn more about optomap and how it helps eyecare professionals to manage eye disease.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that progress gradually, stealing sight, without showing symptoms. The word ‘glaucoma’ is actually an umbrella term for a group of eye diseases that damage the delicate fibers that run from your eye to your optic nerve, which is the nerve that carries information about the images your eye sees to your brain. Damage is often the result of high fluid pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma can affect people of all ages but is most prevalent in middle-aged adults and the elderly. While there is no cure, surgery or medication can slow its effects and help to prevent further vision loss.

Eye care remains a top priority and it’s important to continue to provide patients the technological advancements available with optomap. Retinal imaging fulfills a need in supporting the detection and management of both ocular and systemic disease and optomap provides the technology to make clinical diagnosis and patient education easier.

With the holidays upon us, it’s important to note the extra care we need to take to make sure the toys and gifts our children receive are safe and age appropriate.  For this reason, Prevent Blindness America has declared December “Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month”.

optomap is the only high resolution, single-capture UWF retinal image. Want to upgrade or add UWF to YOUR practice? Then we encourage you to take advantage of Section 179 tax incentives (US only) to provide yourself and your patients the technological advancements available with optomap

Each year, November is recognized as November 14th is recognized as World Diabetes Day. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) created World Diabetes Day in 2011 in response to escalating health issues surrounding diabetes and diabetic eye diseases.

Optos would like to wish you all a happy and safe Halloween. To protect your vision, make sure you and your family receive an annual retinal exam that includes optomap®.