The office of Chicagoland Eye Consultants is proud to offer the finest ophthalmic medical equipment and testing capabilities to diagnose and treat our valued patients. This state-of-the-art equipment is available in our office, because we strive to go above and beyond the usual standard of care found in many other
ophthalmology
practices. Below is a brief description, about these machines, to help you better understand some of the testing that may be performed during your exam.
Nova-Vep Vision
Testing System is a patented medical device from Diopsys that helps us measure the function of the entire pathway of our patient’s vision starting from the lens up to the visual cortex of their brains. This is the only system available in the market today that allows doctors to examine a patient’s visual system from where it comes in, up to where the image is processed by the brain. This allows us to see exactly where the problem lies and how it affects the other parts of the visual system, thus providing us with accurate information that will guide us with the proper diagnosis and coming up with the customized treatment plan for our patients. This procedure is non-invasive, it is painless, and will not require to put the patient under sedation or any anesthetic. The Diopsys Nova-VEP System can be used for patients as young as 6 months old after they have experienced any traumatic brain injury, a stroke, or if they are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Nova-VEP helps us see any visual impairments that could have resulted from these conditions and help us to better treat our patients.
Nova-ERG
Testing system is mainly concerned with testing the function of the patient’s retina. The retina is the part of our eye that collects light to help our eyes discern images. Nova-ERG uses pattern electroretinography (pERG), a technology that helps us get valuable information about a patient’s inner retinal performance, especially in the macula area. And in just one sitting we are able to get pertinent information about our patient’s retinal function. The information that we get from this test will enable us to properly diagnose and treat vision impairments such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic maculopathies.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
This is a very sophisticated machine that allows the doctor to view the macula (central vision) within a few microns. The doctor is able to see the structure of the retina, to view any inflammation, blood and macular degenerative changes.
This is a very valuable tool that is used to assist the doctor in diagnosing what could be causing the patient to have certain visual difficulties. It takes away any guesswork and it could also prevent the patient from undergoing a more invasive procedure (Fluorescein Angiography).
Preferential Hyperacuity Perimeter (PHP)
This machine measures Preferential Hyperacuity Perimetry, which provides valuable information to aid the physician in the early diagnosis of the wet form of macular degeneration. It is a noninvasive test that shows if the macula (central vision) has been disrupted. During the course of the test, the patient is asked to touch the screen with a stylus and to identify any interruptions in a line displayed on the computer screen.
This test, taken with or without the OCT, assists the doctor in diagnosing the wet type of macular degeneration.
Visual Field Machine
This machine helps the doctor determine and follow the progression of any blind spots in your field of vision. During this test, with one eye covered at a time, you are asked to look forward at a fixation light in the center of a bowl-shaped machine. As the test progresses, the machine briefly shines tiny bursts of light with varying intensity, one at a time, throughout different spots within the interior area of the bowl. When you notice each flicker of light, you immediately click a button on a handheld device. The test takes about 5-15 minutes per eye.
The visual field test helps the doctor determine if a patient has any visual field defects and if their glaucoma is being controlled. This can aid the doctor’s decision as to whether or not to change the current treatment regime. The visual field test can be repeated as often as needed.
Pentacam
The Pentacam is a remarkable machine, capable of taking photographs and measurements of the front and back of the cornea, the anterior chamber of the eye, the cornea’s curvature, and any astigmatism which can affect vision. It is also able to detect Keratoconus, thus avoiding possible complications in cornea surgery. This test takes only about 10-15 seconds to perform.
Optical Biometer LENSTAR
The LENSTAR has enabled us to take a quantum leap in increasing the accuracy of specific measurements necessary for cataract surgery. The LENSTAR measures the length of the eyeball, the central curvature of the cornea, and seven other essential components, all with one test. Its advanced scanning capabilities are the first of its kind to measure the entire eye. The LENSTAR captures sixteen full eye scans, which allow us to determine the most accurate measurements; providing our patients with the best possible outcomes. These detailed scans allow us to deliver incredible post operative results and enable our patients to see more clearly without the aid of glasses, following cataract surgery.
Immersion A- Scan
This is another method that measures the length of the eyeball. It uses a technique that involves ultrasound waves and water to obtain its results. It can be used in lieu of, or in conjunction with, the Lenstar, and is especially useful when measuring dense cataracts.
Computerized Vision Testing System (COS)
This is an integrated machine, with sophisticated technology, that measures the prescription of your glasses, determines what glass prescription is needed, and measures corneal curvature. It takes only about 2-4 minutes to perform most calculations.
The COS offers more objective measurements to ensure accurate readings, resulting in better vision.