Advanced Technology

OCT Scans

An Optical Coherence Tomography scan (commonly referred to as an OCT scan) is the latest advancement in imaging technology. Similar to ultrasound, this diagnostic technique employs light rather than sound waves to achieve higher resolution pictures of the structural layers of the back of the eye.

A scanning laser used to analyze the layers of the retina and optic nerve for any signs of eye disease, similar to an OCT scan of the eye. It works using light without radiation, and is essential for early diagnosis of glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinal disease.

With an OCT scan, our optometrist in Oak Hill are provided with color-coded, cross-sectional images of the retina. These detailed images are revolutionizing early detection and treatment of eye conditions such as wet and dry age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy.

Optovue- iVue OCT

We are proud to offer the Optovue- iVue OCT. The iVue is a comprehensive OCT platform that allows us to have retinal, optic nerve and anterior segment imaging capabilities, as well as the exclusive iWellness scan. This quick and easy scan provides an in-depth look at the health of your retina and other portions of the inner eye, which helps us identify signs of disease before they would be noticed on an eye exam which did not include this in-depth eye scan.

An OCT scan is a noninvasive, painless test. It is performed in about 10 minutes right in our office. Feel free to contact our office to inquire about an OCT at your next appointment.

Visual Field Testing

A visual field test measures the range of your peripheral or “side” vision to assess whether you have any blind spots (scotomas), peripheral vision loss or visual field abnormalities. It is a straightforward and painless test that does not involve eye drops but does involve the patient’s ability to understand and follow instructions.

An initial visual field screening can be carried out by the optometrist by asking you to keep your gaze fixed on a central object, covering one eye and having you describe what you see at the periphery of your field of view. For a more comprehensive assessment, special equipment might be used to test your visual field. In one such test, you place your chin on a chin rest and look ahead. Lights are flashed on, and you have to press a button whenever you see the light. The lights are bright or dim at different stages of the test. Some of the flashes are purely to check you are concentrating. Each eye is tested separately and the entire test takes 15-45 minutes. These machines can create a computerized map out your visual field to identify if and where you have any deficiencies.

OPTOS Daytona Optomap Retinal Scan

The eye doctors at Southern Eye Care Associates, in Oak Hill, WV are proud to introduce the latest cutting edge technology in retinal imaging, the Optos Daytona Optomap OCT. This amazing device allows your eye doctor to see retinal, optic nerve and cornea structures not visible through regular exam methods by using light to provide a high resolution scan meant to pick up early signs of structural change or disease. This allows your eye doctor to see even the smallest changes in the retina and optic nerve with greater accuracy, and much higher definition, making early and accurate detection of common sight threatening eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, easier than ever before.

While traditional imaging technologies are usually able to scan around 15% of your retina at a time, The OPTOS Optomap is able to scan in a stunningly large 200 degree arc, capturing about 80% of your retina in one panoramic scan. This allows for a wider and more accurate view of the retina than with less advanced scans. This scan will provide you and your eye doctor with an extremely detailed picture of your eye that will act as a valuable road map of your overall eye health.

The high resolution images produced by the Optos Daytona Optomap OCT provide a personal benchmark for each person’s ocular health and helps detect sudden changes through the years, and since the images show up automatically on a computer monitor, you are able to see for yourself everything the doctor is telling you about your eye health, allowing you to take an active role in preserving your valuable sense of sight.

The patient experience is also fast, easy and painless, with a noticeable focus on maximizing patient convenience and eliminating patient discomfort. Nothing touches your eye at any time and it is suitable for the whole family, from youngest to oldest. The exam consists of taking a brief look into the device one eye at a time. You will see a comfortable flash of light, which lets you know the image of your retina has been taken, and you’re done!

We recommend an Optomap OCT scan to every patient, as the quality of the Optomap scan and the amount of information we can get from this scan is of great value. Often, a patient thinks his or her vision is very good, but when we administer the optomap scan, we find that, at the cellular level, there are important changes that signify possible issues that may otherwise have gone unnoticed. Early detection and effective prevention are the most important parts of beating any disease, and this is where the Optomap shines!

Please schedule your optomap® Retinal Exam today!

For more information on the optomap® Retinal Exam, go to the Optos website.