LEARNING CENTER: DIAGNOSTIC TESTING

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a relatively new imaging technology that acquires high resolution images of the internal structures of the eye.

OCT uses light to image ocular tissue in a cross-sectional view. It has a resolution of 2-3 microns; 100 times finer than traditional ocular imaging techniques such as ultrasound, MRI, and CT.

The images acquired are a useful tool for assessing ocular diseases of the macula, optic nerve, and anterior structures of the eye, and for monitoring response to treatment.

The OCT scan is a brief, non-invasive imaging test. It typically takes less than 5 minutes to obtain the scans, and there are no associated risks. Contact Mohawk Valley Retina today for an eye disease diagnosis.

B-Scan Ultrasonography, or ophthalmic ultrasound, utilizes sound waves to image ocular tissue. High frequency sound waves travel through the eye and are reflected by ocular structures. These reflections form an image of the eye. Importantly, sound travels through structures that are opaque to light such as blood and dense cataract.

Ophthalmic ultrasound is a useful technique to image the posterior structures of the eye when the view is otherwise obscured by vitreous hemorrhage or cataract. Retinal tear or detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, and ocular tumors are visualized by ultrasonography.

Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) testing is a method of measuring not only central vision, but a patient's entire scope of vision. Importantly, HVF can detect vision loss that may be unnoticed otherwise. It is very useful in monitoring glaucoma patients and those with damage to the occipital cortex of the brain. HVF is also useful to assess the vision in macular disease and optic neuropathy.

During this test the patient looks at a central target. The automated perimetry test will briefly flash small lights on a white background. The patient presses a button whenever a light is seen. A computer assesses the entire field of vision and patterns of visual field loss can then be detected and measured. The test typically lasts 6-10 minutes per eye, and there are no associated risks.

Electroretinography (ERG) measures the electrical responses of various cell types in the retina, including the photoreceptors (rods and cones), inner retinal cells (bipolar and amacrine cells), and the ganglion cells.

During the test, electrodes are placed on the skin beneath the eyes to measure the electrical responses to light as the patient's eyes are exposed to standardized stimuli.