Diagnostics & Testing
When it comes to the retina, this simple layer of tissue in the back of the eye is vital to vision health. Once light enters the eye’s lens, special retinal cells, known as photoreceptors, convert it into electrical signals, which travel along the optic nerve to the brain, enabling you to see. As any damage or disruptions can lead to very serious vision problems, regular monitoring ensures that the retina continues to work properly.
At The Retina Eye Center, we recommend that all our patients schedule a regular annual ophthalmological examination, including dilation, to check their eye and vision health. This exam provides us with the opportunity to diagnose any vitreoretinal issues, and they’re particularly important if you suspect or already have a condition. And, consistent exams are crucial for your overall vision health, in general.
What Can I Expect During My Eye Examination?
Your initial visit will last a minimum of 2-3 hours, or even longer, if extensive testing is required. We structure this visit to be more in-depth, as our vitreoretinal specialists want the time to ensure they have the full scope of your eye and vision health.
We will dilate both of your eyes, applying special eye drops, which allows an unobstructed view of the retina and the back of the eye. After the exam, you will be very sensitive to bright light, possibly for up to 8-48 hours, or more, if you have darker-colored eyes. So plan for someone to be available to drive you from our office.
During this exam, we’ll also conduct thorough retinal testing, a full examination, and discuss your condition with you and your family, if necessary. As we are a referral-based practice, following your appointment, a report will be sent to both your referring doctor and primary care provider. In addition, your medical records are available to you via our online portal.
What Diagnostic Options Do You Provide?
Beyond regular retinal eye exams, we provide the most advanced, state-of-the-art diagnostic and testing tools and equipment. These diverse imaging techniques allow our highly trained staff of technicians and medical consultants to quickly and conveniently identify the presence, severity and location of vitreoretinal concerns and abnormalities. Among the most common medical and diagnostic tests and procedures we perform are:
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Fluorescein and Indocyanine Green Angiography – With these procedures, we are provided with photographic studies of the retinal vessels. Both utilize special colored dyes that are injected intravenously into patients’ arms, and then travel to blood vessels in the eye. There, special cameras capture images that reveal the presence of ant retinal abnormalities. However, unlike the Fluorescein test, Indocyanine Green Angiography uses a dye that lights up when exposed to infrared light, enabling us to better view the retina’s deeper blood vessels.
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Fundus Photography – We use this photographic study to get a fuller overview of the back of the eye, or fundus, which includes the retina and macula. These photographs allow us to better detect, diagnose and treat retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy.
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Ultrasonography – Also known as ultrasound, this technique uses soundwaves to produce images of the eye’s inner structures. This enables us to better see the back of the eye, helping to identify such health concerns as blood in the eye, retinal detachments, foreign bodies or cancers.
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Visual Field Testing – We use these tests to measure your peripheral (side) vision. An important component in regular eye care, they help us identify how much vision either of your eyes have, and your level of vision loss over time. In particular, these tests are very helpful to monitor vision in patients with diabetes and high blood pressure, as they have higher risks of developing blocked blood vessels in the retina and optic nerve.
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Macular Function Testing – This diagnostic tool is used to assess the retina’s potential for reading and distance vision. Among the potential conditions that may benefit from this test are AMD, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. One of the more common options is the Amsler Grid, a simple paper chart used on a daily basis by dry AMD patients. A simple paper chart, it helps to quickly monitor and detect any vision changes.