Biometry

Biometry is the measurement of the various dimensions of your eye.

Patients booked for cataract surgery must have their eye measurements taken first. This will allow us to work out the intraocular lens power needed to give you the best vision possible. We generally don't need to make contact with your eye.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

OCT is an imaging technique that can be used to detect and diagnose many eye diseases.

OCT uses infrared light rays to measure the micro-anatomy of eye structures. Snapshots are taken at different depths and the lines then combine to create a cross-sectional image. The 3D imaging allows improved diagnosis of pathology and changes over time by providing vivid illustrations of retinal and optic nerve structures.

OCT is used for diagnosis and follow-up of the following conditions:

• Macular degeneration (OCT is required urgently for this condition)
• Glaucoma
• Retinopathy in all diabetics
• Post-operative cataract surgery
• Optic nerve analysis in compression injuries and other pathologies, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Other retinal abnormalities

Perimetry (visual field mapping)

Perimetry is a very important clinical tool for measuring central and peripheral visual field function. It is a threshold test involving quantification of visual sensitivity.

Indications:

• Glaucoma (Perimetry is fundamental in diagnosing and managing glaucoma)
• Quantifying visual field loss following stroke
• Neurological and vascular disease, including optic neuritis, BIH/Papilloedema, anterior ischaemic optic neuropathies, MS
• Unexplained visual complaints / loss of vision
• Headache / orbital pain
• Ocular-toxic systemic medications, including Plaquenil, Ethambutol

Ultra-wide retinal photography and fluorescein angiography

Ultra-wide retinal photography is a useful tool for documenting conditions in the fundus, including peripheral lesions.

Fluorescein angiography is an investigation used to look for abnormalities in your retina, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration or retinal vein occlusion. It involves injecting a fluorescent dye into your bloodstream to highlight the blood vessels in the back of the eye.