Digital Retinal Imaging & OCT Scans
We use cutting-edge digital imaging technology to assess your eyes. Many Ocular Diseases, if detected at an early stage, can be treated successfully without total loss of vision. Your retinal Images will be stored electronically. This gives the eye doctor a permanent record of the condition and state of your retina.
This is very important in assisting your Optometrist to detect and measure any changes to your retina each time you get your eyes examined, as many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration are diagnosed by detecting changes over time.
The advantages of digital imaging include:
- Quick, safe, non-invasive and painless
- Provides detailed images of your retina and sub-surface of your eyes
- Provides instant, direct imaging of the form and structure of eye tissue
- Image resolution is extremely high quality
- Uses eye-safe near-infra-red light
- No patient prep required
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
An Optical Coherence Tomography scan (commonly referred to as an OCT scan) is the latest advancement in imaging technology. Similar to ultrasound, this diagnostic technique employs light rather than sound waves to achieve higher resolution pictures of the structural layers of the back of the eye.
A scanning laser used to analyze the layers of the retina and optic nerve for any signs of eye disease, similar to a CT scan of the eye. It works using light without radiation and is essential for early diagnosis of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinal disease.
With an OCT scan, doctors are provided with color-coded, cross-sectional images of the retina. These detailed images are revolutionizing early detection and treatment of eye conditions such as wet and dry age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy.
Optomap Retinal Exam
The optomap retinal exam is easy for the patient, takes only a few minutes to perform, and the results are immediately available to review right in the exam room. It can detect not only retinal diseases but may even reveal some signs of underlying health problems like stroke, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.
An optomap retinal exam captures more than 80% of your retina in one panoramic image, often without the need to dilate a patient’s pupils. This unique technology is non-invasive. In fact, it never touches your eye.
Benefits of Optomap
There are many benefits of the optomap retinal exam, especially for patients who are reluctant or unable to have their pupils dilated (The optomap can usually be performed without dilating the pupils). The optomap exam captures an image with a brief flash that even those who are sensitive to light find manageable, and the panoramic view allows your eye doctor to examine the retina without any discomfort, allowing for a more comfortable retinal exam.
An additional benefit: unlike traditional non-digital retinal exams, the optomap image can be saved and then used to compare to future digital images to accurately detect any changes in your retinal health.
The optomap is suitable for all patients, including children. Contact Bolton Optometry Clinic to find out more about the benefits of optomap retinal exams.
An OCT scan is a noninvasive, painless test. It is performed in about 10 minutes right in our office. Feel free to contact our office to inquire about an OCT at your next appointment.
Visual Field Testing
A visual field test measures the range of your peripheral or “side” vision to assess whether you have any blind spots (scotomas), peripheral vision loss or visual field abnormalities. It is a straightforward and painless test that does not involve eye drops but does involve the patient's ability to understand and follow instructions.
An initial visual field screening can be carried out by the optometrist by asking you to keep your gaze fixed on a central object, covering one eye and having you describe what you see at the periphery of your field of view. For a more comprehensive assessment, special equipment might be used to test your visual field. In one such test, you place your chin on a chin rest and look ahead. Lights are flashed on, and you have to press a button whenever you see the light. The lights are bright or dim at different stages of the test. Some of the flashes are purely to check you are concentrating. Each eye is tested separately and the entire test takes 15-45 minutes. These machines can create a computerized map out your visual field to identify if and where you have any deficiencies.
Special thanks to the EyeGlass Guide, for informational material that aided in the creation of this website. Visit the EyeGlass Guide today!
