Eye exam: Do I need a laser retina scan?

My optometrist is offering an Optomap retinal exam, which isn't covered by my insurance. Is this a necessary screening test for retina disorders?

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Answer

"Optomap" is a brand name for a type of eye exam that uses a laser to scan and photograph your retinas at a wider angle than can be achieved in a traditional eye exam performed by your eye doctor. While this type of exam has some benefits, it's not currently considered standard care, and it's not necessary for detecting retinal disorders. If you choose to have a laser retina exam, it should be a complement to, not a substitute for, your annual eye exam.

In a traditional eye exam, your eye doctor dilates your eyes with special eyedrops, and then checks your retinas for abnormalities using an ophthalmoscope, a lighted magnifying instrument. In a laser retina scan, a laser scans your eyes in seconds, and then produces images of your retinas. Your doctor can use the images from the scan to check for abnormalities. The images can be saved in your medical record to compare the condition of your retinas from year to year.

Although some studies have found that laser retina scans can help your eye doctor diagnose problems in your retinas, the scans still have limitations. Despite the wide angle the laser captures, a laser scan may not be able to detect problems on the outside edges of your retinas, and if you are at a higher risk of retinal disorders, you should still have a routine retina exam. A careful examination by your eye doctor will be able to evaluate even the extreme edges of your retinas where abnormalities can be present.

If you are interested in having a laser retina scan, ask your eye doctor about the procedure. The costs of the procedure vary, but average around $30.

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