The questions we ask, and the tests we perform give us valuable knowledge about the changes in your overall health, medication changes, or visual problems you are experiencing. This information can assist us in preventing, diagnosing and/or treating any vision diseases or changes.
Some tests are performed when a specific problem is suspected, while some are used to establish a baseline, so that later it is possible to determine whether a disease is progressing or has remained the same. The information obtained from tests is often essential in order to determine what is causing visual problems and what treatment is appropriate. Some of the tests include:
HRT
The Heidelberg Retinal Tomography (HRT) is used to determine the nerve fiber layer thickness around the optic disc. It is an critical test for patients who may be suspected of developing, or have already been diagnosed with glaucoma. It compares the results of each patient to those of patients of the same age that have normal results. It also compares the results to a patient’s previous test results.
OCT
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-sectional pictures of your retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. These measurements help with diagnosing and providing treatment guidance for macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.
Optical Biometry
Optical biometry is a highly accurate, non-invasive method for measuring the anatomical characteristics of the eye. Measurements are used for determining the correct power of the lens before it is implanted during cataract surgery.
Visual Field Analysis
The Visual Field Analyzer is the “big bowl” (as described by patients) used to determine if a patient has a peripheral or central visual field defect. This information can help to determine if a patient has glaucoma, retinal problems, has had a stroke, or if a patient has a brain tumor. This report plots the field of vision.
Fundus Photography
Fundus photographs are used to display the appearance of the inside of the patient’s eye. The photographs show any changes that may be occurring with the optic nerve. They are generally used to show damage to the retina that may be caused by glaucoma, as well as diabetic retinopathy or aging/pathologic changes.
Fluorescein Angiography
A fluorescein angiography is a medical procedure in which a fluorescent dye is injected into the bloodstream. The dye highlights the blood vessels in the back of the eye so they can be photographed. Any circulation problems, swelling, or abnormal blood vessels in the eye can be detected by performing this test. It can also pinpoint any bleeding vessels.
Tearlab Osmolarity Test
The Tear Lab test is the first objective and quantitative test for diagnosing and managing dry eye disease. The Tear Lab measures the salt content in your tears and generates your specific osmolarity number. This helps us determine whether you have dry eye disease.