Eye Exams
Eye Exam Technology
Examinations here use Optomap widefield retinal imaging, corneal topography mapping over 20,000 surface points, optical coherence tomography for cross sectional imaging, and visual field testing for functional vision.
The difference between a basic sight test and a comprehensive examination is largely a difference in equipment. A prescription can be determined with a trial frame and a chart. Detecting a retinal tear in the far periphery, or nerve fibre thinning that precedes any visual field loss, requires imaging.
The instruments below are what turn an examination from a subjective assessment into a measured one. Just as importantly, they produce records that can be compared year on year, which is how change gets detected before it becomes a problem.
What to expect
- Optomap widefield retinal imaging
- Captures over 80 percent of the retina in a single image, including the far periphery where tears and early diabetic changes appear. Often replaces dilation.
- Corneal topography
- Builds a three dimensional map from over 20,000 points across the corneal surface. Detects keratoconus early and drives every specialty lens design.
- Optical coherence tomography
- Cross sectional imaging at microscopic resolution, showing retinal and corneal layer structure beneath the surface.
- Visual field testing
- Maps functional peripheral vision, which is how glaucoma damage and neurological field loss are detected and tracked.
- Slit lamp biomicroscopy
- High magnification examination of the cornea, lens, lids and tear film.
Questions and answers
Why does imaging matter if my vision is fine?
Because the conditions that cause permanent vision loss, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration among them, all develop silently. Good vision provides no reassurance about retinal health.
Is Optomap as good as dilation?
It captures a far wider field in a single image and is excellent for documentation and year on year comparison. Dilation still gives a fuller three dimensional view in specific circumstances and is used where clinically warranted.
Are the images kept?
Yes, and that is much of their value. Comparing this year's retinal image against last year's detects change that neither image alone would reveal.
Talk to someone about eye exam technology
Appointments are scheduled two per hour, so there is time to answer questions properly. Call (480) 706-3937 or request a time online.