Dr. Amjad Hammad at Saratoga Vitreo-Retinal Ophthalmology is the first Capital Region eye-care provider to offer patients the Optos optomap retinal exam. This exam is a scanning laser ophthalmoscope that captures an image of virtually the entire retina.

“Until now, we could see only 30-90 degrees of the back of the eye at one time,” Hammad said. “With this technology, we can see 200 degrees of the eye in one capture. This lets us detect and manage eye diseases much earlier before they progress to become a problem.

“I am extremely pleased to offer this new technology to my patients,” he said. “Most patients feel they should be examined only when they need a change in prescription. In reality, the most important part of an examination is determining the health of the retina. The optomap provides us a permanent digital image that I can manipulate and magnify to have the most comprehensive view of the back of the eye. This allows us to better and more effectively discover abnormalities that may be present.”

The optomap retinal exam noninvasively captures an instantaneous, ultra-wide-field digital scan of the retina, revealing important information for the comprehensive evaluation of systemic and ocular health. The 200-degree internal scan captured in a quarter of a second enhances clinical care, patient satisfaction and practice efficiency. It is quick and easy, letting the doctor spend more time analyzing, diagnosing and educating rather than gathering information.

The optomap scans are performed as an initial step in a comprehensive eye exam, giving the doctor a tool to help discover retinal disease. This also offers an assisted opportunity to diagnose eye condition, as well as other health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, early. Importantly, it lets the doctor effectively determine the next course of action.

Hammad is an internationally recognized retina specialist treating patients with diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. He strives to educate his patients about their ocular diseases and treatment process. He is also the CEO of the New York Eye Surgical Center, the new dedicated center located at exit 16 of the Northway. To learn more and receive free copies of his two new books, “Keeping Your Retina Healthy” and “Diabetes and Your Eye,” call 580-0553 or visit www.saratogaretina.com.

--Jennie