Diagnostic Testing
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
Retinal chorodial angiography fine retinal and choroidal vessels are studied using specialized digital cameras and scanning laser technology. This testing is done when the Opthalomogist suspects a retinal disorder, particularly those that involve problems with the circulation of blood vessels in the eye. This testing provides us with more detailed assessment in retinal disorders including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and other retinal vascular diseases. Fluorescein dye is most often used for retinal angiography. In certain situations, indocyanine green(ICG) may be required to study the deeper layers of the retina and choroidal vasculature.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) OCT uses light rays to scan and image the back of the eye. This enables the fine layers of the retina to be studied. It is particularly useful to diagnose and monitor diseases of the macula such as macula holes, macula oedema, macular degeneration and vitreomacular traction syndrome.
Digital photography of the retina are taken at the first visit and at regular intervals which allow the Ophthalmologist to document and monitor changes of the retina over time. With digital photos, the patients are able to see what their retinas look like, which helps to gain a better understanding into what the Ophthalmologist looks at during the examination.
An Amsler grid is a simple take home test to monitor any changes in your vision. The Amsler grid has dark horizontal and vertical lines forming a grid. If any changes are detected on the grid, contact your Ophthalmologist as soon as possible. These changes include wavy lines, missing areas, or holes on the grid. The earlier the condition is detected, the best higher success rate of treatment there is.
IOL master allows accurate calculation of the intraocular lens power required for cataract surgery. An AScan is preformed in order to measure the length, curvature and power of the eye. These measurements are then used to calculate very accurately the power of the artificial lens (IOL) that will be used to replace the cataract.
Visual field testing is performed to asses a patients peripheral (side) vision. This is done in the clinic and is an automated test that takes approximately 20 minutes. Each eye is tested individually, and the testing process involves fixating on a central target while using your peripheral vision to react to light stimuli being projected onto various areas in your field of vision.
Visual field testing is most commonly used to assess glaucoma; however it can also be used to assess damage to the optic nerve or neural pathways from other causes such as brain tumours and strokes.
Optical path difference scanning system (OPD) scanning is performed to map out the refractive power of the eye and the corneal curvature. Each eye is tested individually and the OPD maps and displays the corneal shape, and assists in the diagnosis of corneal diseases or conditions. This test is performed on patients wanting refractive surgery.
