Specialty Vision partners with leading retina specialists for advanced diagnostic testing of retinal disease. Ensure your eyes are assessed with precision to maintain your vision health.
Our retina specialists use state-of-the-art diagnostic testing to evaluate the retina, the light-sensitive tissue that is vital for clear vision. These tests help accurately detect and monitor various retinal disorders. By understanding the results, we can work together to protect the health of your eyes.
The retina is a complex part of the eye that functions much like the film in a camera, capturing images and transmitting them to the brain. Even though problems in this thin layer can lead to significant vision issues, advances in diagnostic testing have made it possible to catch these conditions early. Early detection is key, and our team of experts is committed to providing thorough and gentle evaluations for every patient.
This is one of the most common tests we use to assess the back of your eye. Digital fundus photography produces a detailed, panoramic view of your retina, optic nerve, blood vessels, and outer edges of the retina. During the exam, you will have your eyes dilated, be comfortably seated, and asked to rest your chin on a support as our skilled photographer captures high-quality images using several filters. The camera uses a bright light that, although very noticeable, is designed not to harm your eyes at all. Within a few minutes, these images are ready for our retina specialists to review, providing valuable insights into the health of your retina.
Unlike a static photograph, fluorescein angiography offers a dynamic look at the blood flow within your retinal vessels. This diagnostic test involves the injection of a small amount of sodium fluorescein dye into a vein in your arm or hand. Once in your bloodstream, the dye travels to your eye, where it highlights the retinal blood vessels as it flows through them. Meanwhile, special cameras capture moving, high-resolution images that allow our retina specialists to see any leakage or blockages that could indicate conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or wet macular degeneration.
What can you expect during this test? After your eyes have been dilated, you will be comfortably seated and a small needle-stick will be performed. Your chin will be positioned securely on a chin-rest while you look at a target, helping the technician capture clear, real-time videos that are later reviewed by our expert team. The entire process usually takes between 5 to 10 minutes, and you will soon have the opportunity to discuss the results during your exam.
ICG angiography is a specialized method used by our retina specialists to examine the deep blood vessels of the eye, specifically in an area called the choroid. This test is similar to fluorescein angiography but relies on a different dye—indocyanine green (ICG). The ICG dye works excellently in visualizing the deeper circulation that is not as easily seen using other methods. Because some retinal diseases affect these deeper layers, ICG angiography can be an essential tool in diagnosing issues that might otherwise evade detection.
During the test, your eyes are first dilated, and then you are invited to sit and secure your chin on a rest. A small amount of ICG dye is injected into a vein, and you are asked to focus on a specific target. Special cameras record digital videos as the dye illuminates with infrared light, highlighting the complex network of deeper retinal vessels. The whole examination takes around 10 to 15 minutes, after which our retina specialists carefully review the results with you. It is very important to inform our staff if you have allergies to penicillin, sulfa drugs, shellfish, or iodine before you undergo this test.
Optical coherence tomography, or OCT, is often compared to an ultrasound but uses light waves instead of sound waves to capture detailed images of your retina. This painless, non-invasive test provides a cross-sectional view of the macula—the central area of the retina responsible for sharp vision. Think of it like looking at a slice of cake, where you can see every layer in precise detail. OCT scans are essential for detecting tiny fluid leakages, retinal swelling, or subtle structural changes that might not be visible during a simple examination.
What happens during an OCT test? You will be comfortably seated and asked to place your chin against a support while a sophisticated camera scans your eye with infrared light. The process only takes a few minutes, and there’s no discomfort at all. Our team is proud to use one of the most advanced high-definition retinal imaging devices available—the Spectralis® High-resolution OCT—which offers exceptional detail and accuracy. Automatic eye tracking and noise-reduction technology ensures every scan is of the highest quality, aiding our retina specialists in making precise diagnoses routinely.
In some situations, such as when severe cataracts, significant bleeding, or eye trauma prevents a clear view of the retina, ocular ultrasound becomes indispensable. This test uses ultrasound waves to generate images of the internal structures of the eye, much like the ultrasounds used during pregnancy or for imaging other parts of the body. Although the process is extremely similar to what you might expect from a regular ultrasound, ocular ultrasound specifically targets the delicate components of the eye.
You will be asked to close your eyes during the test, as a cold, sterile gel is gently applied to your eyelids. An ultrasound probe, or “wand,” is then moved over your eye to gather detailed information about the retina, vitreous, sclera, and choroid. The technique is fast, comfortable, and non-invasive, providing our retina specialists with a critical look at areas that are otherwise difficult to examine using conventional methods. With these images, we can identify issues such as retinal detachments, intraocular tumors, or significant hemorrhages.
Digital fundus photography forms the cornerstone of many retinal examinations. By taking high-resolution color photographs, our retina specialists are able to document the appearance of your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels over time. These sequential images are invaluable for monitoring the progression or regression of conditions such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. In many cases, retinal photography is performed during the initial consultation and repeated at follow-up visits.
Additional diagnostic tools may also be employed to provide a comprehensive view of retinal health. These include:
Each diagnostic method plays an essential role in forming a complete picture of your retinal health. By combining these various tests, our retina specialists can detect even the slightest abnormalities, ensuring that any potential retinal disease is addressed promptly.
Schedule your diagnostic testing for retinal disease today with Dr. Smith and his team of experienced specialists at Vision Health Clinic. Your eyesight is precious; let us help safeguard it with advanced testing procedures tailored for your needs.
Before your appointment, it can be helpful to remember a few details to ensure everything goes smoothly. Depending on the tests planned, you might be advised to bring a list of medications, inform our staff about any allergies (especially to penicillin, sulfa drugs, shellfish, or iodine), and arrange for someone to accompany you if needed, since your eyes may be sensitive after dilation.
By taking these steps, you help ensure that your diagnostic testing session is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Clear communication with our staff helps us tailor the experience to your comfort and needs.
Diagnostic testing is more than just a set of images or videos of the retina—it is a mapping of your vision’s future. The detailed information gathered by these tests allows our retina specialists to detect issues before they become severe, monitor changes over time, and develop a treatment plan that is custom-tailored to your situation. For example, subtle changes detected by OCT might indicate early macular edema, while abnormalities seen through fluorescein angiography may signal diabetic complications that require close attention.
In many cases, early detection means that intervention can be timely and effective, preserving your vision and quality of life. With these comprehensive tests, our retina specialists are equipped to offer treatments ranging from non-invasive injections or laser therapy to more advanced surgical options when needed. What matters most is that the diagnosis is as precise as possible, allowing us to select the most effective way forward for your unique condition.
Our retina specialists work as a team, using the collective knowledge of various diagnostic tests and the expertise of our skilled technicians. Each tool, whether it’s fundus photography, angiography, OCT, or ocular ultrasound, provides a different perspective on the retinal landscape. By viewing the retina through multiple lenses, we can pinpoint even the most elusive signs of disease, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.
This team-based approach also creates a supportive environment where you feel heard and understood. Clear explanations about each test and its purpose are provided, ensuring that you leave with a full understanding of your retinal health. It’s all about making sure you know that your eyes are in safe hands.
Schedule your diagnostic testing for retinal disease today with Dr. Smith and his team of experienced specialists at Vision Health Clinic. Your eyesight is precious; let us help safeguard it with advanced testing procedures tailored for your needs.
Advanced diagnostic testing for retinal disease is crucial for protecting your vision. Find top eye specialists near you through Specialty Vision.
