SERVICES
To reduce the risk of glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, a dilated eye exam must occur every one to two years, depending on age and risk factors.
How do you screen for glaucoma?
Tests to screen for glaucoma include:
- Tonometry: Tonometers, which measure eye pressure, come in many forms. An air-puff tonometer releases oxygen, testing the eye's resistance to it. An applanation tonometer makes contact with the eye, measuring the pressure that’s needed to flatten the cornea.
- Visual field & acuity testing: This test measures both central and peripheral vision and assesses how various points on the retina perceive dim light. A visual acuity test assesses sight at different distances, about twenty feet from an eye chart.
- Pachymetry: This test uses an ultrasonic wave device to determine how thick the cornea is and evaluates eye pressure.
- Optic nerve imaging: Imaging tests like stereotactic optic nerve photos, laser polarimetry, and optical coherence tomography reveal optic nerve changes.
- Ophthalmoscopy: Looking inside the eye, this procedure will help determine if there’s any damage to the optic nerve due to glaucoma.
How do you screen for diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy can be caused by unmanaged diabetes and occurs when retinal blood vessels become blocked, sustain damage or leak.
We can determine if there’s anything wrong with the retina via a thorough eye exam. A camera and laser scanner captures pictures of the backend of the eye.
Another test will occur again in a year if there are no changes to the eye. Background retinopathy means there are only slight changes to one's vision. For severe retinopathy, treatment may be necessary, and regular eye screenings must occur more often.
Are you a candidate for LASIK?
LASIK is an effective and safe corrective eye procedure, but screening for LASIK can be complicated because some patients don’t qualify for the procedure. Concerning conditions like cataracts, dry eye, corneal structural irregularities and diabetes must be considered before screening for LASIK. If you are considering LASIK for the first time must meet with our specialists for a thorough examination to determine if you are eligible. Corneal scarring and dry eyes, as well as the chronic use of immunosuppressants and steroids, don't meet the requirements for LASIK.
Patients who meet the requirements for LASIK are:
•- 18 years and older
- Have a thick cornea
- Don’t have any vision-related problems, underlying conditions or eye diseases.
“Vision is the true creative rhythm”
- Robert Delaunay