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Testing

Below are brief descriptions of diagnostic tests we conduct at Eye Surgical-Medical Associates. For more detailed information, please click on the name of each condition to download a printable document. You will need Adobe Reader to view these documents. Click here to download your free copy of Adobe Reader.

To read more about these topics, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology website at www.aao.org.


Fluorescein Angiography

Fluorescein angiography is used to evaluate certain retinal conditions and to view the blood vessels at the back of the eye. Eye dilation is required for this test. The doctor will inject a special vegetable dye into a vein in your arm and a series of photos will be taken of the back of the eye to better see the blood vessels. The results from the photographs are available within 48 hours. Some patients may have some nausea following the test. Occasionally, allergic reaction to the dye may occur, and we will have a trained doctor available for any medical side effects resulting from the test.

Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Ocular coherence tomography is a modern test used to diagnose retinal conditions and monitor the health of optic nerve tissue. This test helps the doctor attain cross-sectional images of the microscopic layers of the retina. The procedure is completely painless and takes as long as a photograph. OCT offers unparalleled precision in retinal imaging, allowing doctors to more accurately manage retinal diseases and detect early glaucoma.

Corneal Topography

Corneal topography is one of the most accurate tests to determine the shape and curvature of the cornea. With the latest computer technology, the test can produce thousands of images and precise color mapping of the cornea to give the doctor a 3-D model to aid in the diagnosis. This testing is effective in evaluating astigmatism, corneal disease and other corneal irregularities. Corneal topography also assists in most accurately selecting an intraocular lens for cataract surgery.

Visual Field Testing

The visual field is everything you see, including your side and central (straight ahead) vision. Since you probably use both your eyes at all times, you may not notice any changes in one eye's visual field unless you close the other eye. The visual field examination is important to detect many diseases that affect the eye, the optic nerve or the brain. Visual fields can help diagnose brain tumors, strokes and other conditions. Glaucoma can produce a defect in the peripheral visual field early on in the disease. Your ophthalmologist can determine extensive disease and monitor the effectiveness of treatment by repeated visual field examinations.