Patient Information - Testing Procedures

Early detection of retinal disease is important for vision preservation. For your convenience, testing procedures are usually performed on the day of your examination. The physicians at Retinal Consultants of Southern California offer the most advanced tools and diagnostic tests available:

AMSLER GRID

The Amsler grid is a simple and effective visual tool. The purpose of the grid is to monitor for changes in central vision. The grid is contained on a square piece of paper with a dot in the center. It may be placed on a mirror, refrigerator or other prominent place in your home. When checking the grid, please wear reading glasses if they are needed for near vision. The grid should be held at the same distance and position one would normally hold a piece of paper to be read. Cover one eye, and view the grid with the other eye for a few seconds. Grid changes may occur and could indicate a progression in your retinal disease. For example, straight lines may appear bent, curved or distorted. The grid itself could appear darker or disappear entirely. Or the central dot could disappear. It is very important to cover your healthy eye while checking the grid, as it can mask grid and vision changes. If grid distortions do occur, check it again in a few hours. If changes persist, please call the office for consultation.
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FUNDUS PHOTOGRAPHY

Digital fundus photography is a procedure used to visualize the appearance of the retina. Color photographs are taken of the back of the eye and are obtained with the use of a high-magnification camera. These images allow our physician to document the appearance of your retina over time. Fundus photographs also provide visual evidence of retinal abnormalities. There is no exposure to radiation during this procedure.
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FLUORECEIN ANGIOGRAPHY

An angiogram is a test that allows the physician to see highlighted images of retinal blood vessels. Fluorescein dye is injected into a peripheral vein, generally in the arm. Rapid-sequence photographs are then taken as the dye circulates through the blood vessels of the retina. The detection of abnormal blood vessels can be visualized through this process. Following the procedure, your vision may be blurry for several hours due to the bright lights.

Fluorescein is a relatively safe dye. Unlike the dye used for CT scans, cardiac angiograms and kidney studies, it does not contain iodine. Patients with allergies to iodine can safely receive a fluorescein injection. The allergic reactions to fluorescein are relatively rare and are usually mild, consisting of itching and hives. Also, transient nausea occasionally occurs. The dye is cleared in the urine. Fluorescein may cause your skin to appear orange-brown for several hours following the injection. In addition, your urine will appear yellowish-green for a day or so.
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OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY (OCT)

An OCT is a noninvasive test that aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of retinal conditions. The procedure uses light rays to scan the layers of the retina, allowing for a detailed examination of ocular structures.
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