How can you become in-demand eye specialists? You need to keep up with the latest innovations and trends in optometry, this includes learning about new methodologies and adapting them into your practice. Besides strategies and techniques, you should also invest in state-of-the-art equipment. Even if you have years of experience, if the tools you use aren’t updated, your patients will put your name at the bottom of their list. If you intend to get new equipment, check out these latest technological tools.
Corneal Mapping
Other terms for corneal topography are videokeratography and photokeratoscopy. This is a medical imaging technique designed to map the surface curvature of your cornea. Your cornea is the clear outer structure of your eye that helps you see clearly and allows you to focus on light. Did you know that 70% of your eye’s refractive power is from your cornea? Therefore, using corneal topography is helpful in knowing the quality of your vision.
It provide a 3D map that gives optometrists and ophthalmologists an advantage when examining your eyes so they can come up with a more accurate diagnosis and create a treatment plan to address your condition. The procedure is painless.
Digital Retinal Imaging and OCT Scans
Eye exams have come a long way. Today, optometrists use modern digital imaging technology to evaluate your eyes. Most eye disease can be successfully treated as long as they are detected during their early stages The images are saved electronically allowing your eye doctor to have a record of your retina’s condition. Having a saved record is important because it allows your eye doctor to monitor changes to your retina every time you have your eyes checked. Examples of eye conditions that are diagnosed as a result of long-term changes are diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Digital imaging offers several benefits. It is painless, non-invasive, 100% safe and it’s a pretty quick and straightforward procedure. The results provide detailed pictures of your retina. Digital retinal imaging also offers fast and direct imaging of the structure and form of your eye tissues. The images produced are high quality so you can vivid pictures that helps with the diagnosis. The infra-red-light is safe on the eyes. Patient preparation is also not necessary.
Digital Retinal Imaging
While an eye exam lets your eye doctor visually see your eye on the surface, a digital retinal imaging gives your eye doctor access to what’s at the back of your eye, specifically the retina. When patients complain of eye problems it’s essential to confirm the health of your retina and its structures as well as the optic nerve. This camera takes high-resolution images of your retina giving a clear picture of your eye health. Often, it is used as a baseline data to monitor changes in your eyes for your next appointments.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Optical Coherence Tomography is one of the latest innovations for detecting and treating common eye problems such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. OCT utilizes light waves to obtain cross-section and high quality images of your retina. It’s a non-invasive procedure that keeps the patient comfortable throughout.
Eye doctors use this technology to help detect, diagnose, and monitor eye problems through high-resolution pictures. The scans can also be used to analyze and track changes that could signify ocular issues. It’s so advanced that your eye doctor can see clear layers of your eye making it easier for them to map and measure the thickness compared to the tools they used before.
Although OCT scans can be used for all patients, this technology is ideal for patients who are showing early signs of macular disease and glaucoma. The procedure is simple, fast, and comfortable. You will sit in front of the instrument and be asked to look for targets in view. The scan can get these images in seconds. It’s also completely painless and 100% safe. It also doesn’t use bright light.
Visual Field Testing
This test measures the range of your side vision to check if you have any scotomas or blind spots, visual field abnormalities or peripheral vision loss. It’s also quick, comfortable, and painless. In this procedure, your eye doctor will give you instructions and all you need is to follow them.
A visual field screening is done by an optometrist and you will be asked to fix your gaze on a central subject while you cover one eye. Your eye doctor will ask you about what you see at your periphery. Sometimes eye doctors use special equipment to check your visual field. For example, you’ll be asked to place your chin on a rest and look in front of you. Several lights are flashed and you’ll be asked to press on a button every time you see the light. The lights can be dim or bright depending on the stage. The flashes are also used to check your concentration. Both eyes are tested on different times and the entire test can take between 15 to 45 minutes. The end result is a digital map of your visual field to check if you have problems.