Optos stresses eye protection on the piste

With many planning to head to the ski resorts at both home and abroad for the half-term holiday, Optos plc, the Dunfermline based leading provider of retinal imaging technology, is keen to stress the importance of protecting our vision on the slopes.

Extended exposure to the sun’s UV rays has been linked to eye damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Whereas as many keen skiers focus on other health and safety aspects that enable them to enjoy this exhilarating sport, such as having the right protective clothing and headgear, as well as responsible skiing etiquette, protecting the eyes is often overlooked.

A regular eye exam that includes an optomap retinal image provides an ultra-wide digital image of up to 82 percent of the retina at one time, compared to 15 percent provided by standard equipment. Retinal images can be stored and compared year on year by a patient’s optometrist, monitoring for any retinal changes that might take place as they age and helping with early diagnosis of many eye conditions.

An optomap can help detect early signs of eye conditions including glaucoma, retinal tears and detachments; it also reveals retinal blood vessels size and pattern, helping detect non-eye diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Roy Davis, CEO at Optos, says: “The message on the importance of protecting our skin from over exposure to the sun has raised significant awareness in recent years. However, information about UV damage to the eyes is not as prevalent.

“Clinical research has found chronic effects from the sun can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and photokeratitis commonly known as “snow blindness”. Optometrists recommend UV protective ski goggles on the slopes and having a regular eye exam that includes a comprehensive retinal examination using technology such as optomap.”

An increasing number of optometrists now provide optomap imaging as part of a routine eye exam, allowing for earlier detection and quicker diagnosis on the occasion there could be a potential problem.

To date, over 4,900 Optos devices are in use in North America, the UK, the EU and other overseas markets, with more than 37 million optomap examinations having been undertaken worldwide.

For further information on optomap retinal imaging and to find your nearest provider, visit optomap.com. For more details on Optos plc, visit optos.com.