For most people, a laser retina scan isn't required. However it does provide another tool for assessing retina and eye health, which can be helpful during technically difficult examinations. If you choose to have a laser retina scan, make sure it's a complement to — not a substitute for — a traditional eye exam with dilation.

During a traditional eye exam, an eye doctor dilates your eyes with special eyedrops and then checks your retinas for abnormalities using tools such as a slit lamp with magnifying lenses or a lighted magnifying instrument (binocular indirect ophthalmoscope). A traditional exam with dilation is especially important if you're at high risk of retinal conditions.

During a laser retina scan, such as Optomap, your eyes might or might not be dilated. A low-powered laser scans your eyes and then produces digital images of your retinas. The images can be studied to check for abnormalities and saved in your medical record to compare the condition of your retinas from year to year.

Although laser retina scans can detect some retinal abnormalities, the scans have limitations. For example, laser retina scans might not detect problems on the outside edges of the retinas, where serious problems can occur. You might also consider what the procedure costs and whether it's covered by your medical insurance.