Matrix
In 2012 said goodbye to our ‘fishbowl’ visual field and upgraded to the Matrix. The Matrix uses newer Frequency Doubling Technology (FDT) that more specifically stimulates the subset of ganglion cells that are affected earlier on in disease processes to catch vision loss earlier than the older ‘fishbowl’ style visual fields. The other advantages of the FDT over the standard visual fields is that it eliminates the effects of blur on the test and eliminates the need for us to place an eye patch over one eye, making the test more comfortable for our patients. On top of all of that, it is also faster!
OCT
Optical Coherence Tomography is a powerful clinical tool that has revolutionized the way we approach ocular health. The instrument allows us to view the retina, optic nerve, and cornea in ways that were never before possible. Similar to an MRI, this instrument allows us to examine ocular tissues layer by layer, which allows us to catch diseases years before they a viewable at the microscope. Likewise, it allows for close and careful monitoring of ocular disease to ensure that we provide the absolute best care possible.
iCare
It is fairly well accepted that one of the most uncomfortable times during an eye exam for patients is the testing of intraocular pressures (IOPs). Many offices use a noncontact tonometer (better known as the ‘puff test’), but we have always preferred to use the more comfortable Goldmann tonometer. The one disadvantage of using this method is that it requires a yellow drop to be placed into the eyes before the procedure which contains both dye and anesthetic.
With the addition of the iCare handheld tonometer to our practice we now are able to check pressures much more quickly, and without the need of any drops or disorienting puffs of air.
iCam
Recently we have also updated our retinal photography system by purchasing the iCam. This new system allows us to not just photograph the retina, but also many other ocular structures including the cornea, conjunctiva, sclera, and iris. What makes this system truly special is that it links to and communicates with our OCT to display where each OCT scan is on the retina. It is an immensely useful instrument and something we are very excited to be able to offer to patients.
iWellness
The iWellness scan is an easy-to-read report that displays the thickness of your retina and your ganglion cell complex as compared to a database of normal eyes. These metrics along with a high-resolution image and symmetry analysis help to identify if you are displaying the early signs of diseases such as diabetes, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
With all this new technology in the office, we have developed a screening program including both a retinal photograph and a screening macular OCT that will be available to all patients. While we do recommend regular screenings every 3 years for those under 40, this is something that will mainly be used for patients in the following categories:
- Baseline for all new patients
- Patients with family history of macular degeneration or glaucoma
- Patients on high risk medications
- Patients with diabetes
In house surfacing lab
We are able to cut many different prescriptions at our office in order to minimize the amount of time that you are waiting for your glasses. Unfortunately many insurance companies require your glasses to be made at their lab, but our friendly staff will check with your insurance and discuss it with you if you are eligible to take advantage of this service.