Frequently asked questions

What is the SPECTRALIS 4D HD Eye Health Check?

The SPECTRALIS^® 4D HD Eye Health Check scans your eyes, first to see if they are healthy and then for the very early signs of eye disease. It takes detailed three-dimensional images of the back of your eye. Your eye care professional will look for small changes in your eyes over time, as small as 1/1000 of a millimetre. Being able to scan in exactly the same place on every appointment makes SPECTRALIS unique and provides the 4th dimension of time.

Why should I have the SPECTRALIS 4D HD Eye Health Check?

Unfortunately, having perfect vision does not mean you have healthy eyes. Your brain can fill in the blanks and you may not even notice any loss in vision. Being able to pick up very early, tiny changes in your eyes is the key to preventing sight that might otherwise go undetected. By seeing these changes early we can refer you for the right treatment at the right time.

How does the SPECTRALIS 4D HD Eye Health Check differ from other scanners on the High Street?

• The SPECTRALIS is the only scanner that scans your eyes in the same place at every visit, allowing your eye care professional to see changes as small as 1/1000 of a millimetre.
• You have peace of mind knowing you have had the most sensitive eye examination available, used by astronauts on the International Space Station.
• The detail shown in SPECTRALIS images help your eye care professional make an accurate assessment about the health of your eyes.
• The SPECTRALIS uses an invisible, safe light beam to scan your eyes. There is no bright flash when your image is taken, so the examination is much more comfortable.
• Your eye care professional can view a ‘live’ video of the back of your eye on their screen during the examination, so if they see anything out of the ordinary, they will be able to customise the scan based on your individual needs.

I have moved. How will my new eye care professional access my previous records?

Talk with your optometrist. It is possible to transfer data. Every optometrist with the appropriate Heidelberg Engineering instrument can view and evaluate your images.

Can I have Heidelberg Engineering interpret the printout of my results?

No. Heidelberg Engineering will not answer any questions on individual symptoms or respond to statements on results. Please always have the printout of your results interpreted by either a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Can I have a preventative eye exam done at Heidelberg Engineering?

No. As an instrument manufacturer, Heidelberg Engineering does not conduct any examinations. A professional examination can and must be performed by your optometrist or ophthalmologist. This is absolutely necessary for a precise diagnosis, treatment recommendation, and follow-up. Please visit your local optometrist.

How much does a preventative exam cost?

For information on the cost of a preventive eye exam, please contact your local optometrist.

Is the laser that is used in the examination instruments from Heidelberg Engineering dangerous for my eyes?

No. The laser used in our equipment is a class 1 laser.
Class 1 lasers are (usually enclosed) lasers with very low power at a wavelength in the visible light range. With regard to radiation, they are completely safe over a period of 8 hours.
Special protective measures are not required for class 1 lasers.

I have doubts about my eye care professional’s diagnosis. To be sure, I would like to get a second opinion. Is that an option?

You have the opportunity at any time to obtain a second expert opinion. Diagnostic decisions should never be made based on only a single examination. Go to see a trusted optometrist in your neighbourhood.