Technology
Digital
Retinal Photography:
Digital Retinal photography is the latest technology used in
vision care. This new technology allows us to look directly
at the retina with a high resolution camera. Images of the
eye are analyzed by the doctor helping them in determining
if there are any signs of high blood pressure, diabetes,
cataracts, glaucoma, congenital anomalies, along with many
other eye diseases. Pictures are then shared and explained
to the patient. Your doctor will compare these photos to
previous photos during your annual eye exam; if further
evaluation is necessary your doctor may take more
comprehensive photos to export and email to referring
doctors for further analysis.
Stratus OTC:
The Stratus OCT incorporates optical coherence
tomography technology to provide comprehensive imaging
and measurement of glaucoma and retinal disease. Stratus
OCT is the gold standard imaging device for the back of
the eye and offers proven reproducibility for disease
management.
The Stratus OCT provides real-time cross-sectional
images and quantitative analysis of the retina to
optimize the diagnosis and monitoring of retinal disease
and for enhanced pre- and post-therapy assessment. The
device is beneficial for evaluation of patients with
macular problems and for the assessment of early signs
of glaucoma and glaucomatous change.
Pachymetry:
Pachymetry gives the doctor the ability to catch and begin
treatment for problems such
as glaucoma and ocular hypertension before they cause
permanent damage. It is useful in monitoring the
progression of certain disorders that cause the cornea to
become thickened (or filled with water), resulting in a loss
of vision. A pachymeter is a device that uses ultrasound to
determine the thickness of the cornea. A pachymetry reading
for a normal eye is 550 microns. When this number is
significantly above or below the norm, it indicates that a
patient's corneal thickness is abnormal. Pachymetry is also
an essential measurement prior to the refractive surgical
procedure, LASIK. During LASIK, the surgeon must remove
tissue from the cornea and, therefore, pachymetry is
important to be certain that the cornea will retain enough
central tissue thickness to prevent ectasia, an abnormal
"bowing" of
thin corneas.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness in
the U.S with over 67 million people worldwide affected. Yet,
approximately 2 million Americans are unaware they have the
disease and still others will be diagnosed only when it is
too late to save their vision. Glaucoma, often called the
"silent thief of sight," has no noticeable symptoms
and no
cure.
Humphrey Visual field:
A visual field is a test used to evaluate the peripheral
vision of a patient. This differs from a vision test, which
determines quantity of central vision only. A visual field
tells the doctor how far in the periphery and at what
sensitivity the eye can see. When you look at something,
you not only see the object you are looking at, but you can
see all around it. The area that you can see, without moving
your head or eye, is called your visual field. It extends
from the object you are looking at, to about 95 degrees out
to the sides, 60 degrees upwards, 75 degrees downwards and
60 degrees towards your nose. This test can reveal changes
in your vision which you may not be aware of and is used to
detect specific disease processed such as glaucoma and
certain optic nerve disorders.
The visual field test is done using a piece of equipment
called a visual field screener of which there are many
types. During the test you have to look at a small spot in
the center of the instrument to keep your eye still. You
are asked to respond when you see a light that flashes on
and off once, then appears elsewhere on the screen.
The visual field test can be a good indication of the health
of your eyes, the whole visual system and parts of the brain
as well. The test is performed one eye at a time.
Autorefractor
An autorefractor is a
computer-controlled instrument used during an eye exam to
provide an objective measurement of a person’s refractive
error and prescription for glasses or contact lenses. This
is achieved by measuring how light is changed as it enters a
person’s eye. The automated refraction technique is quick,
simple and painless. The patient takes a seat and places
their chin on a rest. One eye at a time, they look into the
instrument at a picture inside. Several readings are taken
which the instrument averages to form a prescription. No
feedback is required from the patient during this process.
Within seconds an approximate measurement of a persons'
prescription can be made by the instrument and printed out.
It is used to provide the starting point for our optometrist
in subjective refraction tests and is particularly useful
when dealing with non-communicative people, such as young
children or those with disabilities.
