optomap

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Gert Masline - 27 Jan 2005 00:04 GMT

I had never heard of optomap before and tried to find some information
about it on the Internet.

The commercial site for this instrument notes that it views the retina
(back of eye). From the pictures on the site, it shows the optic
nerve. I have unusual optic nerves - sometimes they tell me it is
optic nerve head drusen - other times that they are simply anomalous.
I see an ophthalmologist regularly and have also been sent to a
neuro-ophthalmologist. They do dialated exams and every few years take
pictures...

Would having this type of image captured help in monitoring changes in
my optic nerves?

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Dr. Leukoma - 28 Jan 2005 03:07 GMT

If it has been determined that you have optic nerve drusen once, then
you always have optic nerve drusen. The problem with optic nerve
drusen is that they can cause the optic nerve to appear like
papilledema, which is a serious condition. Also, in some cases, they
can produce a visual field defect. The appropriate test for optic
nerve drusen is an ultrasonic "B" scan, and not an "Optomap."

DrG

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susandala - 31 Jan 2005 16:11 GMT

I'm new; my mother has developed age-related mac. deg., so have been
looking at the problem. It seems that there are 2 kinds of drusen and
one can be a precursor to mac. geg. , so maybe they are checking
periodically to note the size and color etc of the drusen. If they stay
in a certain category, they are fine; no precursor. Otherwise, I've
been telling my siblings to consider increasing greens and colorful
veggies on a daily basis. I also have drusen. It seems to make a
difference for prevention of mac. deg., and can't hurt. Exercise and
reasonable low fat diet are also suggested, as well as avoiding UV
light exposure.

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