Tests available at SAEC DIAGNOSTICS
Fluorescein Angiography
Angiogram: referring to blood flow
Fluorescein: the name of the dye used in the test
Fluorescein Angiography (FA) is the diagnostic procedure which allows us to visualize pathology in the retina. The retina is the back layer of the eye with important cells which send signals to the brain allowing us to see. Damage to the retina or the blood circulation in the retina can affect vision. The FA test allows the doctor to diagnose if there is damage and if treatment may be appropriate for you.
The test is done by retinal photographers or ophthalmic technicians.
What to Expect:
Upon arrival you will have drops put in both eyes to dilate the pupils. Photographs will be taken of the blood vessels in the eye. We will then put a small needle in the vein of your arm or hand and put the Fluorescein dye into the vein. More photographs will be taken as the dye flows into the blood vessels in the eye. The test takes approximately 20 minutes.
Preparation:
There is no special preparation for the test. Since your eyes will be dilated you should bring dark glasses to wear when you leave the office. You may want to have someone drive as the dilating drops can make your vision sensitive to light for 2-3 hours.
Visual Field
This test is done to determine the sensitivity of the retina and the "field" or width of your vision. This test is used to find areas of reduced retinal function that may be caused by glaucoma, macular degeneration, strokes or circulatory problems.
What to Expect:
You should be well rested for this test as good concentration is required for best results. You will be seated in front of a large dome. One eye is tested at a time. You will see a series of small flashing lights of varying brightness in various locations within the dome. Each time you see one of these lights you are required to press a button to record that you have seen the light. The machine will retest the same area several times so you will have more than one chance to click the button. This test creates a map of the sensitivity of your retina which the doctor can then interpret and determine if treatment or further testing is needed. The test takes approximately 20 minutes per eye.
Preparation:
No preparation is needed for visual field testing. We do not have to dilate the eyes.
Optical Coherence Tomography
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a procedure using a scanner to obtain images of tissue similar to an image we would see using a low-powered microscope. The images we obtain provide a cross-sectional view of the tissue. These scans are similar to an ultrasound but near-infra-red light waves are used instead of sound waves. The laser output from the instruments is low and there is no damage to the tissue or the eye. By detecting changes in the tissue the doctor can then determine if treatment is needed.
What to Expect:
Your eyes will be dilated for this test. You will look into the center of the scanner and fixate on the target light, which we move to various locations depending on the tissue we want to scan. The test takes only a few seconds per eye.
Preparation:
You do not have to do any preparation for this test. We will dilate your eyes so you should bring dark glasses to wear when you leave the office. You may want to have someone drive as the dilating drops can make your vision sensitive to light for 2-3 hours.
Fundus Photography
By using highly specialized equipment we are able to take pictures of various parts of the eye such as the cornea, iris, optic nerve and retina. The doctor will be able to compare these pictures from visit to visit. The photographs become a permanent visual history in your medical record.
What to Expect:
We must dilate your pupils in order to get the best pictures. Please bring dark glasses to wear when you leave the office. You may want to have someone drive as the dilating drops can make your vision sensitive to light for 2-3 hours.
