Why We Use the UWF Retinal Imaging Camera

The UWF Camera allows the ophthalmologist to see into the back of the eye, including the periphery — an area that is usually difficult to see using traditional examination techniques and equipment.

It is extremely important for the eye doctor to see the outer most edges or boundaries in the back of the eye because these areas are often where many ocular diseases first appear. Early diagnosis is crucial in preventing loss of vision.

The UWF Retinal Imaging Camera Test

The UWF camera is painless and doesn’t require the patient to have pupil dilating drops.

The test takes less than a half of a second, and the images are immediately available on screen so the ophthalmologist and patient can view the results together and discuss what is occurring in the eye and why treatment is necessary.

This camera is an invaluable tool in the discovery, diagnosis, documentation, and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), uveitis, and many other conditions.

In Central NJ? Request an Appointment

If you’re located in central New Jersey, give your eyes top-notch care at Atlantic Medical Eye Care. Request an appointment today at our Old Bridge, NJ office.

The post Eye Testing with the Ultra Widefield (UWF) Retinal Imaging Camera appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

What is Glaucoma?

In the United States, about 2% of the population has glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disease marked by elevated pressure in the eye. Though it is often painless, left untreated it can cause irreversible vision loss.

Glaucoma cannot be cured. However, by lowering the pressure in the eye, the progression of the disease can be halted. Common therapies include:

• eye drops
• laser surgery (via the SLT)
• incisional surgery (traditional surgery using a knife)

Click here to learn more about surgical treatment options for glaucoma.

Why We Use the SLT Laser to Treat Glaucoma

Because of its convenience and cost effectiveness, SLT is rapidly becoming the first line of treatment — even before eye drops.

During SLT, a focused beam of light is used to treat the eye’s trabecular meshwork (the eye’s drainage system). This helps increase the flow of fluid from the eye.

The SLT procedure is painless and quick. Usually it is done in a matter of minutes. Afterwards one might experience a slight headache and have blurry vision. These symptoms usually resolve within a day, and most people can return to work the next day.

Advantages of SLT

SLT has the advantages of working continuously without requiring the patient to remember to instill drops in their eyes. The surgery can last up to 10 years, which adds up to significant cost savings on medications.

Not only is the SLT quick and painless, but it is also covered by insurance and can be repeated as necessary.

Dr. Scharfman has done thousands of laser procedures in his office using the most advanced SLT. Contact us today to request an appointment.

The post The SLT Laser: A First Line of Treatment for Glaucoma appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

Why We Use the OCT Machine

Optical coherence tomography or OCT is a non-invasive imaging test which uses light waves to take cross sectional photos of the retina. The retina is a layer in the back of the eye consisting of cells that sense light and creates impulses that travel to the brain to form visual images.

By using OCT, the ophthalmologist can see each of the retina’s distinct layers and map and measure their thickness.

This test not only can help in diagnosis, but it may also provide treatment guidance for glaucoma and retinal diseases, such as AMD (Age-related macular degeneration) and diabetic eye disease.

The OCT Machine Test

Having the test done is a simple procedure. Sometimes dilating drops are instilled in a patient’s eye(s) to widen the pupil(s) so the retina is easier for the doctor to see. The patient will then sit in front of the OCT machine resting their head on a support to limit movement.

The OCT machine will scan the eye without touching it, so there is no discomfort with the exception of the effect of the dilating drops (which wears off).

This brief test can provide useful information about many eye conditions including:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• AMD
• Glaucoma
• Macular holes, puckers, or edema

(Note: this is not an exhaustive list — the test can provide information about other conditions as well.)

In Central NJ? Request an Appointment

If you’re located in central New Jersey, give your eyes top-notch care at Atlantic Medical Eye Care. Request an appointment today at our Old Bridge, NJ office.

The post Eye Testing with the OCT Machine Uncovers Many Eye Conditions appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

Why We Use the Visual Field Machine

A person’s visual field is a measure of how wide an area the eye can see when focused on a central point. The VF machine can help determine if there is vision loss as well as the location in the field of vision it has occurred.

The VF machine is commonly used with patients who have glaucoma to indicate if there has been loss of peripheral (side) vision.

The Visual Field Machine Test

During a VF machine automated perimetry test, the patient looks into the center of the instrument, and small, dim lights begin to appear in different places. The patient is instructed to press a button when they see a light.

The test tracks where the lights that the patient did not respond to appeared. In this way the ophthalmologist can determine if and where the vision deficit is.

Eye Conditions that Require the VF Machine

In addition to glaucoma, there are other eye diseases which indicate the need for a VF test. Those disorders include:

• multiple sclerosis
• hyperthyroidism
• pituitary gland problems
• central nervous system conditions, such as tumors and stroke

This test is typically repeated at subsequent eye examinations to assess the progression of disease.

In Central NJ? Request an Appointment

If you’re located in central New Jersey, give your eyes top-notch care at Atlantic Medical Eye Care. Request an appointment today at our Old Bridge, NJ office.

Image credit: HealthJade.net

The post How it Works: Eye Testing with the Visual Field Machine appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.