Optical Coherence Tomography or OCT is a high technology imaging test that allows the eye doctors at Riverside Eye Center to produce high resolution cross sectional views of the structures of your eye without ever touching it.  In some ways this is analogous to CT Scans that are used to “image’ organ systems in other parts of your body.  The OCT test consists of multiple scans, and each scan takes about 45-60 seconds, the total test time is between 10-20 minutes.  Since it is a non-contact, non-invasive testing method, it is not uncomfortable or difficult for patients.  We perform Optical Coherence Tomography and its interpretation right in the comfort and convenience of our office at Riverside Eye Center.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is particularly useful for studying Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Edema, Macular Holes, Macular Pucker or Epi-Retinal Membranes, Macular Degeneration, Posterior Vitreous Detachment, Central Serous Retinopathy, Disorders of the Optic Nerve and even Glaucoma.

A Fluorescein Angiogram (FA), or Intravenous Fluorescein Angiogram (IVF) is a diagnostic test that is used to study the retinal blood vessels and circulation of blood in the Retina.  Fluorescein Angiography is a valuable test that provides valuable information about many eye diseases including Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Degeneration, Retinal Vascular Disease such as Retinal Artery Occlusion and Retinal Vein Occlusion as well as other types of Macular Disease.

Prior to beginning the study, your pupils will be dilated.  The Fluorescein Angiography study is performed by injecting a sodium-based dye, called Sodium Fluorescein, into an arm vein.  During the injection, there can be a warm feeling or a hot flush.  This only lasts seconds and then disappears.  The dye appears in the retinal blood vessels within about 10-15 seconds.  As the dye travels through the retinal blood vessels, an ophthalmic photographer or technician takes a series of photographs of the Retina with a special high-speed retinal camera.  Capturing the photographs takes about 6-10 minutes. If there are any abnormalities, the dye will usually reveal them by leaking, staining or by its inability to get through blocked blood vessels.  Dr. Whitaker will look for any abnormalities by identifying areas that exhibit hypofluorescence (darkness) or hyperfluorescence (brightness).  These are descriptive terms that refer to the relative brightness of fluorescence in comparison with a normal retinal angiography study. Although statistically very rare, mild to severe adverse reactions to the intravenous dye have been reported. Should you need a Flourescein Angiogram, Dr. Whitaker will review the potential risks and complications of Fluorescein Angiography with you and answer all of your questions prior to your study.

The IOL Master is a state-of-the-art laser system that evaluates the length of the eye, surface curvature and Intraocular Lens power. During Cataract Surgery, or other Lens Replacement Surgery your vision is corrected replacing the eye's natural lens with an Intraocular Lens (IOL). IOLs come in different powers and sizes to compensate for each patient's individual needs. For best vision after Cataract Surgery, precise measurements must be taken to determine the exact prescription and which IOL to implant. The IOL Master is a high-precision laser measurement instrument that is regarded as the "Gold Standard" for IOL calculations- a procedure called called Optical Biometry.

With the IOL Master, Dr. Whitaker can have complete confidence in the accuracy of results. Testing is fast and efficient (one minute or less), and both patient safety and comfort is enhanced. The IOL Master is the first optical tool that doesn't require contact with the eye, which eliminates the need for anesthesia and excludes any risk of infection. We perform Optical Biometry with the IOL Master right in the comfort and convenience of our offices at Riverside Eye Center.