To begin diagnosing your vision problems, a thorough medical and ocular history will be taken. Your vision will be checked, and then your eyes will be dilated with eye drops. These drops dilate the pupil so that the doctor can see to the back of the eye. Dilation typically lasts three to four hours. Initial consultation may take 3 hours in the office since most diagnostic testing and treatments can be offered on the same day. Follow up evaluations typically take much less time.
Ultrasonography
This is a non-invasive test involving a specialized sonogram probe, and it is used when a cloudy cataract, cornea, or blood in the middle of the eye prevents a good view of the retina. It is also useful in evaluating the extent and nature of retinal detachments, and in following the size of lesions in […]
Fundus Photography
Specialized cameras for the back of the eye can be used to monitor eye problems such as diabetic retinopathy or other findings in the back of the eye. This way, the doctor can make an accurate comparison when you come back for a follow-up visit.
Ophthalmoscopy
Ophthalmoscopy is the detailed and complete visual examination of the retina and vitreous by the ophthalmologist. We use a slit-lamp biomicroscope, where a focused beam of light is used to evauate the macula with magnification. Indirect ophthalmoscopy is where a hand-held lens is used to direct light from a headlight worn by the doctor. The […]
Visual Acuity Testing
This is a simple but important part of the eye exam. Here the ability to identify letters at a specified distance is tested. It is best to wear your most recent glasses or contact lenses if applicable for this test.
Angiography
Fluorescein Angiography This test is very useful in evaluating problems of the macula, or the center of the retina. A vegetable-based dye is injected into the arm and then photographs are taken of the back of the eye as the dye circulates throughout the body and the blood vessels in the retina. Many diseases of […]
Optical Coherence Tomography
This test is used to produce detailed images of the retina. It is much like ultrasound, except that it uses light beams instead of sound waves. Optical Coherence Tomography helps physicians evaluate problems with the retina such as swelling and holes, as well as abnormalities of the optic nerve. During the exam, focused beams of […]
