Specialty Tests
In our Niagara Falls Eyecare Office we offer two different specialized eye tests used to diagnose and monitor eye diseases.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
An OCT scan provides a detailed look at the physical structures of the eye, similar to an MRI but for the retina.
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What it does - Uses light waves to create an image of the retina's layers, allowing eye doctors to measure the thickness of the nerve fibers and detect any swelling or damage.
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What it helps detect:
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Glaucoma - The OCT can detect optic nerve damage and thinning of the nerve fiber layer, often before a patient experiences any vision loss.
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Macular degeneration - It can identify abnormalities in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision.
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Diabetic retinopathy - The scan can detect swelling in the retina (macular edema) caused by diabetes.
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The patient experience - The test is quick and painless. You will sit in front of the machine, place your chin on a rest, and look at a target. The machine will scan your eye without touching it.
Visual Field Test
A visual field test is a subjective assessment that relies on patient responses to map their total field of vision.
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What it does - The test measures the sensitivity of your central and peripheral vision to find any blind spots or areas of diminished vision.
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What it helps detect -
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Glaucoma - Damage from glaucoma often affects peripheral vision first, so this test is crucial for diagnosis and monitoring.
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Optic nerve damage - The visual field can reveal vision problems caused by damage to the optic nerve.
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Neurological conditions - It can identify visual pathway problems that might indicate a stroke or brain tumor.
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The patient experience - You will sit at a machine with a bowl-shaped perimeter. While looking at a central point, you press a button whenever you see a flash of light appear in your side vision.
