If we suspect you have an eye condition that could be impacting your vision, we may perform special eye tests to confirm our suspicions. These tests will allow us to make treatment recommendations to save your vision.
OCT Scan
An Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan allows our team to view and take pictures of the different layers of your retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye). Using light waves, the thickness of your retina can be measured and mapped. The OCT process can help diagnose conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or a macular hole/pucker.
Visual Field Analysis
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve. Unfortunately, there are no symptoms of glaucoma in the early stages! A visual field test may be recommended to diagnose glaucoma and identify early visual field loss. This test measures your peripheral vision, one eye at a time. You will be asked to stare at a central spot as you note when you can view dots in your side vision. This test is also useful to diagnose retinal disease, optic nerve damage or drooping eyelids (ptosis).
Retinal Photography
Digital retinal imaging is used to take a high-resolution photograph of the back of your eye to diagnose or monitor conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, glaucoma, high blood pressure or even melanoma. With your eyes dilated, this process involves scanning your eyes with a laser to create digital images that can be interpreted. These images can also be compared over time to monitor changes in your retinal health.
Endothelial Microscopy
Endothelial microscopy allows us to assess the innermost layer of your cornea, the endothelial layer, which is responsible for pumping excess fluid out of the middle layer of your eye (the stroma layer). This non-invasive, painless process uses a computer-aided camera to quickly measure the tissue and determine how it is functioning. The information gathered can be used to diagnose eye diseases such as glaucoma, uveitis, endothelial dystrophy and more.
Pentacam®
The OCULUS Pentacam® is used to examine your eyes using a high-speed rotating camera to take pictures of your cornea, crystalline lens and anterior chamber. Using this technology, we can assess your lens opacity, the shape and curvature of your cornea, corneal thickness, tear film, visual field. This information is useful for cataract surgery, glaucoma, refractive surgery and dry eye exams.
To learn more about your vision, contact us to schedule an eye exam in Billings.