Lesley Stabinsky Compton wasn’t having any vision problems when she went in for her annual optomap® eye exam with Dr. Ken Ridder. Much to her surprise, the image revealed a large, retinal tear, which, had it not been found and treated, could have resulted in blindness. She immediately followed up with a retinal specialist who performed an emergency laser surgery that successfully repaired the tear. Optos’ newly expanded optomap technology allows eye care providers to diagnose a number of eye disorders, as well as identify markers for systemic (or non-eye) diseases such as hypertension, anemias, diabetes, bowel issues and certain cancers.
Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) December 05, 2011
Because of her history of glaucoma, the doctor closely reviewed her optomap – and this time the image revealed a large horseshoe tear.
“He [Dr. Ridder] showed me the horseshoe tear and said it was urgent that I see a specialist to have it repaired immediately,” Lesley recalled. “I was scared and nervous about the impact that this might have on my vision.”
The condition was, indeed, serious: If gone undetected, the tear could have led to retinal detachment and, if not immediately treated, might have resulted in severe vision impairment, if not total blindness in that eye. Compton was able to visit a retinal specialist within 48 hours and immediately received laser surgery, which corrected the problem without any loss of vision. She continues to alternate visits to her retinal specialist and Dr. Ridder every six months.
According to Dr. Ridder, the tear could have been detected using traditional dilation. However, the doctor doesn’t always perform dilation unless a patient has symptoms that warrant a more thorough examination. Because Compton had no symptoms, the doctor chose not to dilate and therefore the tear could have gone unnoticed, were it not for the optomap.
“The scan was important because we found a significant tear that was asymptomatic,” explained Dr. Ridder. “Eventually the tear would have increased in size and could have been potentially more difficult to treat.”
optomap provides a comprehensive view of the retina, which makes it an important complementary step toward detecting and treating eye disease. Compton is now a firm advocate for annual optomap screening. “The optomap was vital,” she said. “If I had chosen NOT to have my doc view my optomap, I would not have known about my urgent situation.” She now makes sure that all of her family members receive optomap screenings. “I would always recommend that everyone have an optomap,” said Compton. “I had no symptoms of any visual difficulties, yet I was in real danger of losing some of my eyesight.”
Dr. Ridder has been using optomap in his practice since 2002. He said it has played a significant role in the detection and diagnosis of serious health issues. “I find a dozen significant retinal tears and detachments each year, in addition to vascular abnormalities, which often indicate undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension. Without optomap, these conditions could have been missed.”
About Dr. Ken Ridder
Ken Ridder, O.D. completed his Doctoral studies at Pacific University College of Optometry and interned at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. He is one of 11 doctors who practice at Vision Care Specialists in the Denver area. He specializes in complex contact lens fittings, refractive surgery co-management and patient education. For more information about Dr. Ridder, please visit http://www.visioncarespecialists.com.
About optomap
Optos introduced the optomap technology in the late 1990’s, allowing eye care providers to help identify a growing list of conditions as part of a routine eye exam, often leading to early diagnosis and treatment. In addition to traditional eye conditions such as glaucoma, retinal detachment or hemorrhage, and diabetic retinopathy, the optomap helps doctors identify changes inside the eye that can indicate some bowel and blood cancers, incipient strokes, tumors pressing on the optical nerve and more. Early research suggests that in the future, the optomap might become a valuable tool in the detection and monitoring of Alzheimer’s disease.
The optomap is a retinal scanner that generates an ultra-widefield image. Through its patented Virtual Point™ technology, it puts the scan point within the eye, allowing a simultaneous view of 200 degrees (82%) of the retina. This is a much wider image than is obtainable with traditional retinal viewing methods. In 2011, Optos has continued to develop the optomap, launching a new smaller, sleeker device that offers an improved user interface with workflow-based software, plug-n-play installation, image review capabilities and electronic storage options for future comparisons. For information about optomap visit http://www.optomapexam.com
About Optos plc
Optos plc is building The retina company. Our vision is to be recognized as a leading provider of devices and solutions to ophthalmic professionals for improved patient care. Optos has a range of medical devices that support different customer segments and patient levels.
For more information, please visit the website – http://www.optos.com.
Download the Optos eMedia kit at: http://www.optos.com/MediaKit
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Release corrected and re-issued on 12/05/2011*
Chris Shay
Hult Marketing
309-840-3702
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