Physicians at The
Eye Clinic know that an accurate diagnosis is the most
critical element in successful treatment outcomes for their
patients. The Eye Clinic is committed to providing our
patients with the latest advances in diagnostic
capabilities. Our staff of diagnostic technicians are
receive intensive training for each type of testing
equipment. Our advanced diagnostic procedures include:
Corneal
Topography
Corneal topography is used to acquire accurate
measurements of the cornea's surface. The corneal
topographer technician uses an instrument called a
videokeratoscope which reflects on the patient's cornea
and captures a high resolution eye image. This image is
then processed by a computer software program which
generates a color display containing five different types
of data maps. Unlike conventional keratometry, which only
measures the central steepness of the cornea, corneal
topography provides a complete picture of all of the steep
and flat areas of the entire cornea. This measurement is
used in fitting contact lenses, for pre and post operative
corneal transplant patients and for refractive surgery
patients (RK, PRK and LASIK).
A-scan Biometry
A-scan biometry is used to obtain accurate measurements of
axial lengths. This diagnostic procedure uses an
ultrasound beam to generate reflections of the interior
tissue of the eye. A-scan biometry is used to calculate
the power of intraocular lenses prior to lens replacement
surgery.
Visual Field
Testing
Visual field testing provides our physicians with
essential information about the diagnosis and progress of
major blindness-causing diseases, including glaucoma and
other ocular and neurological disorders. Comprehensive
visual field testing allows early detection and close
monitoring of the progress of these diseases, enhancing
the chances for successful treatment. At The Eye Clinic,
the Humphrey Field Analyzer provides very sensitive,
highly precise perimetry testing for our patients,
including a wide range of screening and threshold tests
and strategies, along with in-depth statistical analysis
of test results.
Fluorescein
Angiography
This diagnostic procedure is used to help physicians plan
treatment protocols for patients with diabetic
retinopathy. To perform the test, dye is injected into a
vein in the patient's arm. The dye travels throughout the
body, including the eyes. With a special camera and a
flash, a series of photographs of the retina is taken as
the dye passes through it. These photographs will show
what kinds of changes have occurred in the retina and
whether or not treatment is needed. It treatment is
required, these photographs will serve as a guide to help
the physician pinpoint the exact location and amount of
laser surgery necessary.
Diagnosis
At The Eye Clinic, our physicians use the HRT II as a diagnostic tool for
gluacoma. The HRT is a highly advanced, confocal scanning laser
ophthalmoscope. It generates extremely accurate, detailed data and
comprehensive analysis that simply is not possible to obtain with
traditional examinations. By scanning the optic nerve and adjacent nerve
fiber layer, the HRT II produces a three dimensional topographic map. It not
only detects the onset of glaucoma, it also provides essential information
for monitoring the disease in follow-up exams.
The HRT II exam is fast, safe, and usually does not require dilating the
eye. While a patient comfortably sits in a stationary position, a laser
scans the eye for just a few seconds. Dr. Stewart says the laser energy
level is lower than that produced from a television remote control.
The Eye Clinic is one of only a few ophthalmology practices in the state to
offer the comprehensive, non-invasive HRT exam for early diagnostic and
monitoring of glaucoma.
