Advances in medical research into eye diseases continue to leap forward at an incredible rate. The last five to ten years has seen a wide array of advanced technologies made available to modern eye clinics, allowing for better investigation, diagnosis and treatment of complex eye diseases – and resulting in better visual outcomes for patients.
Our eye clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment sourced from around the world, each operated by highly trained and experienced orthoptists (ophthalmic technicians). We use only the latest and best technology to ensure that all our patients receive the highest standard of care. Read more about some of our technologies below.
Ocular Biometry with Zeiss IOLMaster
During cataract surgery, the cataract is removed and a prosthetic intraocular lens (IOL) implanted in its place. Highly detailed measurements of the eye are taken before surgery which allow our surgeons to calculate the correct type and power of IOL to implant.
The IOL Master is a non-contact optical coherence biometer which allows for complex eye length and surface curvature measurements to be gathered without the use of anesthesia, and minimizing the potential for contamination.
Using technology such as partial coherence interferometry, the IOL Master provides consistently precise results, which are required in complex calculations made by our surgeons before cataract surgery.
An internal algorithm allows for an accurate calculation of the distance to the vitreoretinal interface (where the vitreous gel meets the retina at the back of the eye), which is calibrated against a high resolution biometric system, and allows the accurate selection of an IOL to suit each individual patient.
Retinal Imaging with Heidelberg HRA
In recent years, digital cameras have been used by ophthalmologists to image the retina and optic nerve. Now, a new technology called confocal scanning laser is being used to achieve greater clarity and enable evaluation of deeper retinal structures than previously possible.
The Heidelberg HRA uses confocal scanning laser technology to allow our ophthalmologists to use advanced imaging modes as well as traditional methods to evaluate the retina and optic nerve in great detail. These new advanced imaging modes include infrared laser and blue laser autofluorescence.
While traditional digital fundus cameras use a flash to obtain images, the HRA uses infrared laser which enables more detailed images of the retina to be obtained with much clearer results than white light, especially if a cataract is also present.
Blue laser autofluorescence (fundus autofluorescence) uses extremely sensitive sensors to detect the natural fluorescence emitted by retinal pigment cells. This technology can be used to identify early signs of damage from macular degeneration as well as a number of inherited retinal diseases.
OCT with Heidelberg Spectralis
OCT uses a low-powered laser to take 40,000 A-scans (ultrasonic measurements) of a defined area of the retina to produce a high-resolution 2- or 3-dimensional image of the retinal layers.
Spectralis OCT utilises multiple, simultaneous wavelengths of reflected light across a spectrum hence it’s name: “Spectralis”. The reflected light enables production of both cross-sectional and three dimensional images, and provides our ophthalmologists with a unique perspective of the structures of the eye.
The introduction of OCT technology in ophthalmology has made an enormous impact on diagnosis and management of various diseases of the macula, retina and optic nerve, such as age-related macula degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.
Corneal Topography with Oculus Pentacam
The Pentacam provides our surgeons with advanced measurements for the diagnosis of cataracts, glaucoma and corneal disease.
Equipped with an automatically rotating Scheimpflug camera the Pentacam performs a complete measurement of the anterior segment of the eye in less than 2 seconds. A precise analysis of the central cornea is carried out in the process. During measurement extraneous eye movements are detected with a second pupil camera and automatically corrected during the calculation process. The software analyses and evaluates all the data acquired. These data then provide the basis for a three-dimensional model of the complete anterior eye segment.
The Pentacam analyses the entire cornea, anterior chamber and crystalline lens. This includes an objective determination of the central radii, corneal asphericity, various coloured maps of curvature and elevation, chamber angle, chamber volume and chamber elevation as well as lens transparency. Measurements are made without touching the eye and is painless.
Visual Field Testing with Humphrey Field Analyser
A visual field test is an eye examination that can detect dysfunction in central and peripheral vision which may be caused by various medical conditions such as glaucoma, stroke, brain tumours or other neurological deficits.
The Humphrey Field Analyser is the most accurate way to assess a person’s visual field, and is the world-wide “gold standard” in the assessment of a visual field. It enables the systematic measurement of differential light sensitivity in the visual field by the detection of the presence of test targets on a defined background. The Humphrey Field Analyser carefully maps and quantifies the visual field, especially at the extreme periphery.
During a visual field test, the patient sits in front of a small concave dome in a small machine with a target in the centre. The chin rests on the machine and the eye that is not being tested is covered. A button is given to the patient to be used during the exam. The patient is set in front of the dome and asked to focus on the target at the centre. A computer then shines lights on the inside dome and the patient clicks the button whenever a light is seen. The computer then automatically maps and calculates the patient’s visual field. The test takes 3-5 minutes per eye.