Retinal angiography is a diagnostic test consisting of retinal photographs. It is performed in order to diagnose retinal problems or diseases. It requires injecting contrast medium in order to obtain the photographic images. Two different substances (contrast media and stains) may be used for this purpose, namely, sodium fluoresceine to enhance the vascular system of the retina, or indocyanine green to visualize the vessels of the choroid (the layer that lines the retina). The test is performed after dilating the pupil and it last twenty minutes when done under fluoresceine, or 90 minutes when done using indocyanine green.

This test is used to diagnose pathologic alterations of the iris, the corneo-scleral limbus and the cornea. Sodium fluoresceine is injected as a contrast medium in order to obtain the photographic images.

There is no need to dilate the pupil and the test lasts 20 minutes.

Biometrics refers to the measurement of the various spaces and lenses inside the eye: corneal curvature, thickness and diameter, depth of the anterior chamber, axial length of the eyeball.

These measurements are absolutely necessary in order to determine the elegibility in refractive surgery and the power of intra-ocular lenses

They can be performed using different types of instruments including optics, ultrasound probes or laser.

This diagnostic test is performed in order to determine the health of the optic nerve fibers as they travel from the eye into the occipital cerebral cortex.

The best-corrected vision is required for this test, and anesthetic drops are frequently used in order to apply a contact lens over the eye for a thorough examination.

The test lasts 15 minutes for each eye.

These plugs are used in order to reduce tear elimination in cases of hyposecretion.There are collagen plugs that dissolve within 4 to 5 days. Silicone and acrylic plugs are permanent but they may be removed if necessary.

This procedure is performed in the office with the use of anesthetic drops.

Recording of the heart’s electrical activity. Performed in pre-surgical evaluation before certain procedures

Visual electrophysiological testing plays a very important role in the diagnosis of diseases affecting the retina, the optic nerve and the visual pathways.

There are four types of electrophysiological tests: Electroretinography (ERG), Electro-oculogram (EOG), Occipital Evoked Potentials (OEP) and Pattern Electroretinography (PER).

The combination of these tests is used for determining at what level – between the retina and the brain (occipital cortex) – the visual system is affected.

Electroretinography (ERG) and the Electro-oculogram (EOG) are useful in determining the diagnosis of retinal distrophy (cone dystrophy, pigmental retinosis, Stargardt’s disease, viteliform distrophy; choroidal atrophia (atrophia gyrata, choroidermia); vitreo-retinal degeneration (juvenile retinoschisis, Stickler’s disease); inflammatory conditions; circulation deficiencies (central retinal vein and artery occlusions, diabetes); toxic retinopathy (cloroquine, fenothiazine, methanol toxicity, among others); and detection of early signs of siderosis in cases of metal intraocular foreign bodies.

OEPs reflect cerebral electrical activity corresponding to the individual’s central visual field. Clinical applications include: inflammatory disorders (e.g.: optic neuritis, papillitis); demyelinations (multiple sclerosis); blood flow disorders (ischemic optic neuropathy); post-traumatic disorders of the visual pathways. They can also be used to determine the presence of amblyopia. When combined with ERG they may help predict visual potential in children and adults with transparent media opacifications (cataract, vitreous hemorrhage, etc.) and also identify malingering patients. In younger children and in patients who are unable to cooperate during the examination, special LED (Light Emitting Diode)-like glasses that present intermittent light stimuli can be used in order to stimulate the retina through closed eyelids.

Endothelial cell count using Specular Microscopy. This photographic procedure is used for counting the number of corneal endothelial cells per square millimeter and analyzing their shape and size.

No prior pupil dilatation is required and the test takes 5 minutes.

Microscopic examination of ocular tissues in order to determine cell characteristics, the degree of tissue involvement, diagnostic classification, presence or absence of benign and malignant lesions, etc.

It is performed on surgically resected tissues or tissue biopsies.

This test measures muscle balance with each gaze position and it is used to explore binocular vision, fusion, fixation and convergence accommodation reflexes.

This is the most accurate objective measurement of visual acuity. It is used to determine visual distortions or “optical aberrations” of the intraocular portion of image formation. It allows to reconfirm refraction and to identify abnormalities such as irregular astigmatism. It also provides information about the quality of individual vision.

In order to obtain reliable results, soft contact lens use must be stopped for 2-3 days and rigid gas permeable lens use must be interrupted for a 8 to 15 days. The test takes 5 minutes.

Measures the quality of individual vision in daily life. It is part of the optometric workup and it is performed after determining the patient’s refraction, especially in cases of refractive abnormalities that require correction. It is useful in determining the visual impairment caused by an evolving cataract.

Contrast sensitivity can be measured under simulated glare conditions. This form of test is used for measuring visual acuity in situations of daily living, in particular night driving.

Visual examination under magnified parameters for special cases.

This procedure is based on a simple quick measurement of visual acuity used for testing retinal function and for detecting visual acuity reductions due to irregularities in optical or macular function.

Topographic measurement of sensitivity thresholds in response to light shone on a specific area – fovea and macula – in order to determine central visual defects caused by certain diseases, including the extent of the involvement.

This test takes 20 minutes and it is performed after pupil dilatation in cases of retinal involvement.

These are therapies designed to restore functional muscle balance and functional visual acuity, respectively.

They are based on exercises performed with specialized instruments designed to stimulate ocular and visual movements. They are performed at the Strabology Department.

Several half-hour sessions are required in every case.

Custom-made acrylic shells made to match the patient’s own eyes in cases where removal of one eyeball is required as a result of an accident, tumor or disease.

The Prosthesis Department works in close cooperation with the Oculoplasty Department.

Still picture of a mirror reflection of a Placido’s ring on the cornea. This test is used to determine corneal apex, visual axis, line of gaze, astigmatic orientation and potential corneal surface irregularities. It may be requested before and after refractive surgery, corneal transplant or any other corneal pathology.

Eye fundus photograph used as part of the follow-up of retinal diseases and glaucoma, and in patients in whom glaucoma is suspected. It provides a photographic record of any macular or optic nerve changes that may occur.

This may be a color or black-and-white picture but it is not a diagnostic test that offers specific results.

Diagnostic and biometric imaging techniques used to analyze the anatomic components of the eye and orbit by means of a high-frequency probe placed on the anterior segment of the eye.

Computerized analysis of the cornea designed to measure corneal curvature. It also reports on the individual characteristics and irregularities of the cornea.It is a universal diagnostic method but in cases of refractive surgery it is specific to the Laser system used at the Clinic, because it provides the system with the information required to customize the ablation according to the patient’s needs.

Contact lens use must be interrupted before the test for 2-3 days in the case soft contact lenses or for 8-15 days in the case of rigid gas permeable lenses.

Computerized analysis of the eye’s optical surfaces: cornea (anterior and posterior surfaces), corneal thickness, corneal diameter and densitometry; anterior chamber and angle; crystalline lens anterior surface and densitometry. This is a universal diagnostic method.

It is used for diagnosis, prognosis and assessment of the anterior segment of the eye. The test lasts five minutes and requires interruption of contact lens use – 2-3 days for soft contact lenses, and 8-15 days for rigid gas permeable lenses.

This procedure is used to obtain computerized photographic images of the tissue surrounding the optic nerve. It measures the thickness of the nerve fiber layer and cup/disk ratio in patients with glaucoma or suspected of suffering from glaucoma. A 360° analysis of the macula may also be performed in cases of retinal disorders.

This procedure is based on a principle similar to ultrasound.

Pupil dilatation is required in some cases, and the test takes 10 minutes.