An Overview of Retinal Diagnostic Testing at Retina Group of Florida
Because of the retina’s size, location, and importance, diagnosing retinal conditions requires a great deal of precision and intricacy. At Retina Group of Florida, our retina specialists use a variety of testing modalities to diagnose the full spectrum of retinal diseases. Using state-of-the-art technology, we assess your situation and design an exact course of treatment. Below are some of the tests we use and a brief explanation of how they work.
Dilated Eye Exam
During a dilated eye exam, we apply special drops to your eyes which widen your pupils. Your pupil is the black circle in the middle of your iris which controls how much light enters your eye. In bright light, your pupil gets smaller; in dim light, it gets larger. The drops keep your pupil enlarged as a retinal specialist shines a light into your eye. This enables a deep view into the back of the eye where the retina is located. From there, we can take pictures to examine the retina for any issues. The drops take up to six hours to wear off, so you'll want to have someone drive you home after the exam.
Amsler Grid Test
Amsler Grid Test is a simple black-and-white grid that helps you and your doctor identify any problems or distortions in your vision. You look at the grid, and if the lines are broken, curved, or distorted, this may indicate macular degeneration. You can use this grid at home to monitor your vision. If you notice any problems, contact your eye doctor immediately. If you’re experiencing macular degeneration, it's best to catch it early. Early treatment minimizes the impact of the condition and maximizes your long-term retinal health.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
The Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) test is a quick imaging test that helps us identify any issues with your retinal health. The OCT test uses light beams to take a detailed, high-resolution image of the structures within your retina. More specifically, this test allows a doctor to see each of the retina’s multiple layers in great detail. This helps identify potential issues with clarity and accuracy. Your eyes are untouched and the test only takes a few minutes.
Fluorescein Angiography
Fluorescein Angiography is an imaging modality that photographs the blood supply to your retina. First, a yellow dye is injected into your bloodstream. Once it reaches the blood vessels in your eyes, doctors can take images of the structures within your retina. Fluorescein is used to identify and observe abnormalities such as leaks and obstructions in the retinal vascular system. It can be particularly useful for the diagnosis and management of retinal conditions that affect the retinal blood vessels, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal occlusions. The test is generally very safe, although in some rare cases patients are allergic to the dye.
Indocyanine Green Angiography
Indocyanine Green Angiography, like fluorescein angiography, involves using a dye circulated through your bloodstream to photograph the internal structures of your retina. However, this dye is green and enables doctors to recognize certain conditions which are difficult to identify otherwise. This procedure does not involve X-rays of any kind.
Retinal Diagnostics & Testing in Florida
If you are looking to schedule a comprehensive retinal diagnostic testing exam in the Sarasota or Gulf Coast region of Florida, request an appointment today with Retina Group of Florida.