DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES

Diagnostic procedures:

A-scan: 

An A-scan is used to determine the power of the intra-ocular lens required for cataract surgery. The procedure is quick and is usually done on the day of your cataract assessment. We use a Harg-Streit Lenstar biometer with the Barret formula in our rooms which gives excellent and accurate results.

B-scan: 

B-scan is a specific ocular ultrasound machine. We use this to visualize and measure lesions in the back of the eye. It is a very useful tool when there is no view into the back of the eye such as cases of dense cataract or vitreous haemorrhage.

OCT:

OCT (Ocular Coherence Tomography) is a fantastic tool which helps us visualize the micro-anatomy of the back of the eye. It is an essential tool in the management of macular disease and glaucoma.

Fluorescein angiography:

Fluorescein angiograms are used to visualize the retinal blood-flow. This is a very useful diagnostic tool in all retinal vascular diseases including macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion and central serous retinopathy.

A small cannula is placed in the vein and dye is injected into your circulation. Retinal photographs are then taken with the dye circulating through the retina.

The procedure is done in our rooms. We have the very latest Heidelberg and Optos fundus cameras for this purpose. There is a small risk of allergy to the dye which your Ophthalmologist will discuss with you before having this test.

Corneal Topography:

A corneal topographer creates a detailed contour map of your cornea. This is an essential tool when diagnosing and treating disease of the cornea including keratoconus and corneal dystrophies. Topography is also done when assessing if you are a suitable candidate to have laser vision correction (www.eyelaserspecialists.com.au). We have both the Pentacam and Galilei corneal topographers which are excellent tools for mapping corneal pathology.

Visual field Test:

Visual field testing is essential in the management of glaucoma and other diseases of the retina, optic nerve and brain. We use the Humphrey Visual Field analyser with the Sita-Faster program which is the quickest and most accurate commercially available visual field test. The test in done in the clinic and can take up to 5 minutes per eye.