Office
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
Fundus
Photography
Specialized film and cameras are used to document abnormalities
in the retina.
Fluorescein
Angiography
After
an intravenous injection of diagnostic dye is given in the arm,
the retina is photographed as the dye passes through the circulation
in the back of the eye. Certain disease processes can thus be identified
and treated. This is a commonly performed noninvasive procedure,
which provides some of the most useful anatomic and functional information
about the retina for the diagnosis and treatment of retinal disorders.
Ocular
Ultrasonography
Through the use of harmless high frequency sound waves, the structures
in the eye can be visualized and evaluated when direct visualization
is impaired, such as through cataract or blood. In addition, ultrasonography
is used to evaluate the internal characteristics of tumors and other
lesions in the eye.
Visual
Field Testing
Computer perimetry maps of the peripheral or side vision provide
useful information in diagnosing and monitoring certain disorders
of the eye. The test is easily done without dilating the pupils,
and is almost like playing a video game.
Electrophysiology
Using
computer-assisted amplification and analysis of the electrical waves
produced by the eyes, electroretinography (ERG) tests the function
of the rods and cones in the retina in such conditions as retinitis
pigmentosa, other retinal dystrophies and certain circulatory disorders
of the retina. Electro-oculography (EOG) measures the function of
the retinal pigment epithelium and is useful in classifying certain
dystrophies and other disorders of the retina. Both tests are harmless
and noninvasive.
Surgical
Procedures
Laser
Photocoagulation
Traditional
laser surgery of the retina is used in our specialty for conditions
such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration,
retinal tears, and retinal vein occlusions. Small bursts of laser
can be used to seal leaky blood vessels, destroy abnormal blood
vessels, seal retinal tears, and destroy abnormal tissue in the
back of the eye. We are also equipped with the newest technology
in "cold lasers" for macular degeneration treatment with Photodynamic
Therapy. These services are all provided in our office facilities.
(See article "Photodynamic Therapy for
Age-Related Macular Degeneration" for more information
on this procedure.)
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves the application of a very cold probe to the
outside of the eye, which transmits the freezing temperature to
the retinal pathology. Like a laser, the intense cold treatment
of the retina can seal abnormal leaky retinal blood vessels or seal
retinal tears, and the procedure is performed in our office facilities.
Pneumoretinopexy
A combination of laser and/or cryotherapy with special gas injection
for the office based repair of retinal detachments. (See article
"Detached and Torn Retina"
for more information on this procedure.)
Scleral
Buckle
Scleral buckle operations have been used successfully for many years
to repair retinal detachments. Scleral buckle may be used alone
or in combination with other techniques, usually done in sterile
conditions in a hospital operating room. (See article "Detached
and Torn Retina" for more information on this procedure.)
Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is a highly specialized microsurgical procedure performed
in a hospital operating room. The abnormal vitreous gel is removed
from the eye. Vitrectomy is useful in the repair of complicated
retinal detachments, non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage, diabetic
retinopathy, macular holes, and macular pucker. (See article "Detached
and Torn Retina" for more information on this procedure.)
