
Exploring modern ophthalmic consulting technology
All about the tools we use to measure your eyes.
Precision and accuracy is paramount when measuring, designing and delivering the right treatment plans for your eyes. Whether you’re seeking a routine eye examination, undergoing ongoing management for an eye condition like glaucoma, or preparing for a surgical procedure like laser vision correction or cataract surgery, accurate measurements of your eyes are essential for optimal visual outcomes.
Fortunately, advancements in ophthalmic technology have revolutionised the way eye health professionals assess and diagnose, and design various ocular conditions and recommend appropriate procedures.
From detecting and charting refractive errors, to planning complex retinal, cataract and glaucoma surgeries, a range of technologies and ophthalmic equipment are employed to gather precise data about the structure and function of each unique eye.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the function of some of the latest tools and technologies used in ophthalmic care at Adelaide Eye & Laser Centre.
The Pentacam is an imaging device that uses a rotating camera to capture photographs of the anterior (front) and posterior (back) surface, and other areas of the cornea. This sequence and combination of images provides the most precise measurements of the central cornea than any other ophthalmic imaging instrument currently available.
This data is critical for diagnosing corneal diseases and managing corneal structure and changes over time. It is also vital for assessing the suitability of patients for refractive procedures including laser vision correction procedures such as SMILE, LASIK or PRK, or refractive lens exchange.
In summary the Pentacam enhances the accuracy of pre-operative planning and improves surgical outcomes for patients undergoing corneal and refractive procedures.
The IOL Master (Intraocular Lens Master) is a sophisticated biometry device used in cataract surgery, ICL procedures and refractive lens exchange procedures.
In simple terms, an IOL Master is technology that is used to measure the size and shape of your eye. IOL stands for Intraocular Lens, which is a lens implant that is placed inside your eye during cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange procedures to correct vision, once the natural lens has been removed.
When an ophthalmologist is planning any lens-based procedures, they use the IOL Master to obtain very precise measurements of your eye. This helps them choose the right size and type of lens for the very best visual results.
The IOL Master measures the axial length of the eye, corneal curvature, anterior chamber depth, and lens thickness with impressive accuracy. These measurements are crucial for calculating the power and placement of intraocular lenses (IOLs) that are then implanted.
The IOL Master has become an indispensable tool for ophthalmologists and helps ensure you obtain the best possible results from your eye surgery!
The Auto Refractor is used to diagnose and objectively measure refractive errors, such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism.
The Auto Refractor analyses the way light is refracted, or processed by the eye, providing precise measurements of any visual errors, and then facilitating the prescription of glasses or contact lenses for patients.
This technology is particularly useful in paediatric eye care and for patients with communication or cognitive impairments or difficulties.
Dilation Exams involve the administration of dilating eye drops to temporarily enlarge the patient’s pupil, allowing for a more comprehensive view of the internal structures of the eye.
During a dilation exam, an ophthalmic professional uses specialised equipment to examine the retina, the optic nerve, and other parts of the eye for signs of disease or abnormalities.
Dilation exams are essential for detecting conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal tears or detachments that may not be visible during a routine eye examination.
While dilation can cause temporary blurriness and sensitivity to light and will mean that some daily tasks like driving should not be undertaken for up to 24 hours, it is a routine and painless test that provides valuable insight and information.
Topography is a diagnostic technique used to map the curvature and shape of the cornea’s surface in detail. By analysing the reflection of thousands of tiny rings projected onto the cornea, a corneal topographer generates a color-coded map that reveals irregularities, astigmatism, and other abnormalities in corneal shape.
It is essential for diagnosing conditions such as keratoconus, corneal ectasia, and corneal irregularities caused by previous surgeries or trauma.
Topography also plays a critical role in planning refractive surgery procedures (laser vision correction and refractive lens exchange), contact lens fitting, and monitoring changes in corneal shape over a period of time.
With its high-resolution imaging capabilities and precise measurements, this technology enhances the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment for patients.
Tonometer
High eye pressure is a big risk for glaucoma, an eye disease that can cause loss of vision if not detected and treated.
Tonometry measures eye pressure and provides insight into who might have glaucoma, at what stage they are at within this condition, what treatments are likely to be suitable for them, and insight into if the treatment is working. Used regularly in the management of glaucoma, tonometry checks are important to detect and then treat glaucoma early and accurately.
Generally speaking there are two types of Tonometer technologies: One is used to flatten the eye slightly, and the other blows air onto it without any contact. The type of Tonometer technology used will be at the discretion of the ophthalmologist, but both are effective.
In conclusion, in today’s modern world, ophthalmic technology continues to evolve, change, and improve the way and accuracy with which we can diagnose and treat ophthalmic health. This evolution in technology serves to make it more precise and faster, greatly benefiting patients.
By investing in and using the latest eye technology at Adelaide Eye & laser Centre, and in collaboration with highly skilled eye health medical professionals, we can provide our patient community with the very best care and the very best visual results.
If you have any questions about these technologies or how they are used as a part of your care, please do not hesitate to ask a member of our clinical team or your doctor.