Tests, Treatments and Surgical Procedures

Common Diagnostic Testing

The following are common diagnostic tests that are typically performed in our office.

Dilation
Dilation drops may be used to open your pupils, which will allow the doctor a better view inside your eye.
Note:  Your vision will be blurred and you will be sensitive to light for several hours after dilation of your pupils. Therefore, we recommend that you bring sunglasses and have someone drive you home from your appointment.
 
Visual Acuity Testing
Use of an eye chart to determine how well a person can see at various distances.
 
Ophthalmoscopy
Detailed examination of the retina and macula through a dilated pupil with an ophthalmoscope.
 
Fundus Photography
Color photographs of the back of the eye.

Fluorescein Angiography (FA)
A test in which a dye (fluorescein) that is injected into a vein in the arm travels to the retinal blood vessels.  Special photographs allow the physician to see the vessels and identify abnormalities.
 
Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG)
A test similar to FA, but a different dye (indocyanine green) is used to show changes that may not be visible with FA.
 
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Use of a thin beam of light and its reflection to show the retinal layers.  It is used to measure retinal swelling and thickness.

 
Ultrasonography
The use of high-frequency sound waves to view the inside of the eye when a normal view is obscured by bleeding, cataract, or something else that prevents the doctor from seeing inside the eye.
 

Treatments

Many treatments involve the injection of medicines directly into the eye, which is typically performed in our office during your visit or a return visit.  The injections are done with very small instruments and usually are not uncomfortable for the patient.  Other treatments involve laser treatment to the back of the eye.  This can be initiated at your visit but may require return visits to complete the treatment.  Most patients are comfortable during laser treatment.
 
If you require surgical treatment in an operating room, our physicians have privileges at many hospitals and surgery centers.  Our doctors and staff will gladly answer any of your questions concerning surgical care if needed.
 

In-Office Procedures

Intravitreal  or intraocular Injection
Injection of medicine directly into the eye.  The eye is anesthetized first, and very small instruments are used.  The injections are generally very well tolerated.  More than one injection may be required over several months.
 
Laser Photocoagulation
A light beam used to seal leaking abnormal blood vessels.  It also may be used to seal the retina if it is torn or detaching.  The patient is usually comfortable during the procedure, and the eye is usually anesthetized with topical anesthetic eye drops.
 
Photodynamic Therapy
Use of a low-energy laser to activate a light-sensitive drug that is injected into a vein and travels to abnormal blood vessels in the retina.
 
Surgery
If you require surgical treatment in an operating room, we can schedule that at your convenience or sooner if there is an emergency.  Our doctors and staff will gladly answer your questions concerning surgical care.