Procedures & Diagnostics

Procedures

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy- LPI

This laser is done for narrow angle glaucoma.  An LPI is a laser procedure to put a small hole through the iris.  This hole allows equalization of pressure across the iris which allows the iris to fall away from the internal drainage system of the eye thereby opening the access to the drain.  Before your laser a number of diagnostic tests are completed to determine the degree of angle opening.

Procedure »

  • We strongly recommend that patients take Tylenol or Advil one hour prior to the appointment.
  • On your laser day, drops are administered to constrict the pupil.  These drops usually cause a brow ache.
  • After 20-30 minutes you are ready for the laser.
  • The laser takes 3-5 minutes.
  • 30-40 minutes after the the laser we will check your eye pressure and send you home with a prescription for anti-inflammatory eye drops to take for one week.
  • A follow up is booked 4-8 weeks post laser to re-evaluate the angle of the eye. This will include repeating the Visante ($125 fee) and UBM testing.

Argon Laser Iridoplasty

This laser is done for narrow angle glaucoma.  At your follow up appointment following an LPI, the Doctor will note whether the LPI was successful in opening the narrow angle (opening access to the internal drainage system of the eye).  If it does not, a procedure using the Argon laser is the used to further open the angle and increase access to the drain.

Procedure »

  • We recommend that you take Tylenol or Advil one hour prior to your laser appointment.
  • On your laser day drops are administered to lower the pressure in the eye having the laser (if both eyes require this laser, only one is booked at a time).
  • The laser takes 3-5 minutes to complete.
  • 30-40 minutes after the laser we will check your eye pressure and send you home with a prescription for anti-inflammatory eye drop to take for two weeks.
  • A follow up is booked 4-8 weeks post laser to re-evaluate the angle of the eye.

YAG Capsulotomy

This laser eliminates a thickened membrane which has developed on the back surface of your lens implant following a cataract surgery.

Procedure »

  • On the day of your laser, drops are administered to dilate your pupil.
  • Once the pupils are dilated (20-30 min), the laser is performed and takes 2-3 minutes.
  • After the procedure, you will be free to return home.
  • A follow-up visit will be scheduled to reassess your vision.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty- SLT

This laser treatment for Glaucoma uses short pulses of low-energy to improve drainage and lower eye pressure.  This laser requires two visits to complete (minimum 3 weeks apart).

Procedure »

  • On the day of your laser treatment, drops are administered and eye pressure is measured.
  • The laser takes 3-5 minutes to complete.
  • 30-40 minutes after the laser we will check your eye pressure and send you home with a prescription for anti-inflammatory eye drops to take for four days.
  • There are usually 2 laser sessions separated by at least 1 week.
  • Following the last laser application a follow up is booked 4-8 weeks post laser to re-evaluate your eye pressure.

Intravitreal injections - IVI

An injection is typically given for Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Cystoid Macular Edema, Myopic Degeneration and Vein Occlusions.

Patients with these conditions can experience sudden blurry vision from leakage of the abnormal blood vessels and without anti-VEGF treatment are at risk of blindness or permanent loss of the central vision.

An intravitreal injection is a procedure to place a medication directly into the space in the back of the eye called the vitreous cavity, which is filled with jelly-like fluid called the vitreous humor gel.

Intravitreal injections often need to be repeated in a series until the disease is stabilized.

Panretinal Photocoagulation Laser - PRP

PRP is a type of laser treatment used in patients who develop new, abnormal blood vessels in the retina or drainage system of the eye.  This treatment is commonly administered to patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, ischemic retinal vein occlusions, or neovascular glaucoma, to preserve the vision and reduce risk of blindness.

Retinal laser photocoagulation - LRP

Laser retinopexy is a type of laser used to treat retinal tears. Untreated retinal tears can lead to retinal detachment, a potentially blinding condition.

Diagnostics

Humphrey Visual Field

This is a visual eye examination that can detect dysfunction in central and peripheral vision which may be caused by conditions such as Glaucoma, strokes and compressive lesions on the optic nerve.

Optical Coherence Tomography - OCT

This is a computerized imaging technique that uses laser light recreate a 3-D image. It is very useful for analyzing the anatomy of the optic nerve and retina in diseases like Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, and Diabetic Retinopathy.

Retinal Photography

Photo documentation of the inside of the eyes is an important aspect in diagnosing and managing ocular health throughout the years. The anatomy of the optic nervce, macula, and retina can be reviewed with your eye doctor during your appointment.

Heidelberg Retinal Tomography - HRT

Using a special scanning laser a cross section of the optic nerve is rendered. Subtle structural changes to the optic nerve are captured with the HRT and help identify Glaucoma damage before patients notice any changes in vision and often before it is identifiable on the visual field test.

Anterior Segment OCT

This is an OCT specifically designed for anterior segment imaging. It is the latest in technology to assess and follow the characteristics in angle anatomy.

Anterion Cataract Measurement

This is the most accurate way to measure your eye prior to cataract surgery. The technique uses a laser technology to determine the power of the intraocular lens that will be implanted.

Special Instructions:

  • Contact lens wear prior to IOL or A-scan measurements can change the results.
  • We recommend No Soft CL wear for 7 days prior to measurement.
  • We recommend No Hard CL wear for 21 days prior to measurement.

CORNEAL TOPOGRAPHY

The corneal topography maps the cornea and is beneficial for patients undergoing cataract surgery requiring specialty lenses such as TORIC or multifocal lenses.

A-Scan

A standard ultrasound technique used to measure the length of the eye and the thickness of the lens for cataract surgery.

B-Scan

An ultrasound of the globe often ordered when there is a poor view into the eye.

Ultrasound Biomicroscopy - UBM

An ultrasound used to characterize the anatomy of the front part of the eye, especially the angle of the eye and the area behind the iris.

DIURNAL TESTING

Measures intraocular pressure (IOP) over the course of one day starting at 8 am then approx. every 1.5 hours thereafter until 5 pm. Patients take their eye drops as they normally would and bring them to this session if they take them during the day. Patients can leave the clinic between pressure readings but must return in time for the next IOP reading.

Wave Front Analysis

Analysis of the way a wave front of light passes through the cornea and crystalline lens, which are the light focusing components of the eye. Distortions that occur as light travels through the eye are called aberrations, representing specific vision errors. These are characterized by the wavefront analysis and used to determine the type of refractive correction that should be performed.

Anterion Angioplex

This is a detailed image of the structures within the retina, which will provide more information of your disease.

For more information about Our Services, or to schedule an appointment, please complete our online form or call 613.507.4800.