If detected and treated, 95 percent of patients will keep their sight, but if undetected and untreated, over 50 percent can go blind. Eye diseases that can also lead to blindness if not detected include retinal cancer, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness for those aged 55 and older.

Having an annual exam is vital to maintaining your vision. In the past, that's meant lengthy office visits, often requiring the inconvenience and discomfort of having your eyes dilated in order for the doctor to examine them. Now, a revolutionary exam has been developed which saves patients time, discomfort and inconvenience. The Optomap Retinal Exam is the world's first device which producers a digital image of almost the entire retina without the need for pupil dilation. Its state-of-the-art technology allows ophthalmologists and optometrists to capture an extended view of the retina (200 degrees) in less than half a second and provides photo-documentation. With the Optomap, doctors can diagnose serious eye conditions that would have otherwise gone undetected.

Optos -- the company that produces the Optomap technology -- was founded by Douglas Anderson, whose young son lost sight in one eye due to a retinal problem that was not detected by conventional eye exams. Indeed, more than 12.1 million school-age children -- one in four -- have some form of vision problems. If untreated, they can affect a child's development and educational performance and even lead to blindness. Experts recommend that children have thorough eye exams by an eye doctor by age three, then again before entering school and at least every two years thereafter.

Thanks to Optomap, having your eyes checked is accurate, faster, and less invasive than ever before. There's no reason not to book an appointment for yourself and your children now.

To find a doctor in your area that uses the Optomap exam, call 866-OPTOMAP.

Courtesy of Medialink