Understanding the Difference Between Optical Coherence Tomography and Optomap

Have you ever wondered what your optometrist sees when they take a picture or scan of your eye?

Two commonly used imaging technologies are OCT and Optos. Both provide valuable information about the inside of the eye, but they are designed to show different details.

A simple way to remember the difference is: 

Optos provides a wider view.  OCT provides a detailed cross-sectional view.

Optomap: The Bigger Picture

Optomap is an ultra-widefield retinal imaging technology that captures a broad image of the retina including areas toward the peripheral retina. Think of it like taking a wide-angle photograph of the back of the eye. 

Optomap helps your optometrist assess and document:

• The overall appearance of the retina

• The peripheral retina

• Retinal blood vessels & abnormal lesions

• Changes that develop over time

The images can also provide a useful record for comparison during future examinations.

OCT: A Detailed Look at the Eye's Layers

OCT, or Optical Coherence Tomography, creates high resolution cross-sectional images of structures inside the eye.

Instead of showing a wide photograph, OCT allows your optometrist to examine tissue layer by layer.

OCT can provide detailed information about:

• The macula

• Individual retinal layers

• Optic nerve and surrounding structures

• Fluid, swelling, thinning, or other structural changes

This detailed view is particularly useful when evaluating the macula, retina, and optic nerve.

Why Are Both Types of Imaging Useful?

Imagine looking at a map. You may first look at the whole map to understand the bigger picture. Then, you zoom in to see the details of one specific location. 

Eye imaging works in a similar way.

Optomap shows a broad view of the retina, including the peripheral retina. 

OCT shows the internal structure of a specific area in greater detail.

For example, a retinal photograph can show the location and appearance of an abnormality, while OCT can show how that area affects the retinal layers beneath the surface.

Because they provide different information, OCT and Optos often complement each other.

Why Can't One Scan Do Everything?

Each technology is designed for a different purpose. 

Optos is excellent for documenting a large portion of the retina in a single image. OCT is designed to provide microscopic-level structural information about specific areas of the retina or optic nerve.

One test does not replace the other.

Your optometrist determines which imaging is appropriate based on your medical history, symptoms, examination findings, and eye health.

Monitoring Changes Over Time

One of the major advantages of retinal imaging is the ability to create a digital record of your eye health. Previous and current images can be compared to identify subtle changes that are difficult to detect from a single examination. This allows your optometrist to look for changes over time rather than relying only on what your eyes look like on one particular day.

Tracking these changes helps your optometrist determine whether a finding is stable, progressing, or requires further assessment.

See Your Eyes From a Different Perspective

Your eyes may look healthy and your vision may feel normal, but there is more to eye health than what you can see.

More Than Just Clear Vision 

Good vision does not always mean that every structure inside the eye is healthy.

Retinal and optic nerve changes can develop before noticeable symptoms occur. A comprehensive eye examination, combined with appropriate imaging when indicated, provides a more complete assessment of your eye health.

At LivingHope Vision Clinic, we use retinal imaging as part of a comprehensive approach to evaluating and monitoring eye health. 

Schedule your comprehensive eye examination at LivingHope Vision Clinic 

in Hamilton or Burlington.

When it comes to your eyes, every detail matters!