Ophthalmology

A Humphrey visual field test is used to evaluate a patient’s vision, identifying any possible blind spots. It is non-invasive and typically performed in a darkened room, in a similar way to a standard eye test. People who have blind spots in their vision may not always be aware of it, so the Humphrey visual field test can be an invaluable way to ensure that a patient’s vision is working as it should. The procedure is typically performed in a darkened room and involves the patient pressing a button each time they see a light.

To measure the pressure of the fluids in the eye. If the pressure is too great, damage may occur to the fragile nerve fibres at the back of the eye. Over time, this may cause a reduction in the vision.

To diagnose various eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a form of imaging done on the eye. It is non-invasive, using light to take pictures of a patient’s retina. Using this test, an ophthalmologist can measure the thickness of the different layers of the retina, allowing them to diagnose various eye conditions such as glaucoma. The entire process will usually take around ten minutes, with patients being seated with their head on a headrest to keep their eyes still. Eye drops may also be used to dilate the pupil, making it, making it easier for the ophthalmologist to see the retina.  

Involves the injection of a dye into a vein while imaging the blood vessels at the back of the eye. This provides valuable information about the health of the circulation in the eye and can identify leaking blood vessels in conditions such as diabetes and age-related macular degeneration.

Auto fluorescence Imaging (FAF) uses the natural fluorescence of the eye to analyse the overall health of the retina. Blue light is used to see the fluorescence of the eye, allowing an ophthalmologist to check the health of the eye. Some eye conditions associated with ageing can cause specific patterns or gaps in the fluorescence, so that this test can be invaluable in the diagnosis process. Conditions that can be identified with FAF include macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and macular dystrophies. It is essential to identify these conditions early to give patients the best chance at a full recovery. 

This is useful for any eye condition that could cause a change in the structure of the retina. This includes Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy.

Contrast imaging to view the surface of the retina.

Pachymetry is a quick and painless test that can measure the thickness of the cornea. This can help identify issues such as swelling or thinness of the cornea. It is a critical diagnostic tool for identifying and treating glaucoma and other eye conditions that can result in serious vision impairment or loss. There are two methods of pachymetry: ultrasound and optical. Ultrasound pachymetry uses ultrasound technology to measure the thickness of the cornea.