Equipment
In order to provide a comprehensive eye examination we utilise the most up-to-date equipment available:
Enhanced retinal scan (3DOCT)This amazing technology is a massive leap forwards in benefit over the fundus camera (the camera that just photographs the back of the eyes). It allows us to examine, in cross section, the central 45 degrees of your retina in incredible detail, an area that includes the macular area (central area of the retina) as well as the optic disc. This allows us the opportunity for early detection of macular changes, not only for 'wet' Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) that benefits from rapid referral to an ophthalmic consultant, but for 'dry' changes that may benefit from treatments that will be coming 'on line' over the next couple of years.
Careful analysis of the optic disc (the point at which the optic nerve exits the back of the eye) helps us detect early changes in the Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer. This is the part of the retina most conspicuously damaged in glaucoma and is particularly useful in helping us identify cases of Normal Tension Glaucoma - when the pressure within the eye is normal, as opposed to the more common Chronic Simple Glaucoma, when it is raised.
We recommend this technology to everyone, even diabetics,who have their eyes routinely photographed for diabetic screening as it gives us so much more information about other conditions.
FAQ
Q. I can have my eyes photographed for free at other practices so why do you charge for this?
A. This technology is far more advanced and comprehensive than any of the cameras used in the high street multiples, and costs considerably more to buy. The results obtained are much more in depth and as such we are able to offer a much better analysis of your eyes.
Q. I have my eyes photographed every year anyway as I am diabetic, do I still need an OCT scan?
A. The scan allows us to monitor your retinae over time for changes associated with early glaucoma and macular degeneration. These are not conditions that are monitored through the diabetic photograph scheme, so yes, you will still benefit.
Q. How often should I have the scan.
A. Every time you have an eye examination. The software allows us to track changes over time, which is the main advantage of the system over photographs.
Visual Field Tests
Most tests in the consulting room examine the quality of the 'straight ahead' vision - that vision we use to read a numberplate or a book with.
Examination of the vision slightly away from that central area can reveal problems associated with several conditions such as glaucoma, tumours lying along the optical pathway from the eye to the visual cortex at the back of the head, or damage in the visual cortex itself, from maybe a stroke or trauma. This is extremely important for detecting what may be sight or life threatening conditions.
Using a Humphrey 720 visual field analyser we routinely perform a visual field examination (the test which investigates the peripheral vision) on all of our clients who are over 40 years of age and have a family history of glaucoma, as well as those who suffer unexplained headaches. We do not charge for the initial investigation.
For more information, please contact us.
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