Earlier this year, you may remember us talking about our OCT machine. OCT Angiography (OCTA) is a quick non-invasive piece of equipment which performs a test, allowing your eye doctor to see retinal vessels during your annual eye exam. OCTA is the only non-invasive way to visualize the vascular structure of your retina.

The machine allows us to look at the eye in a similar manner as an MRI. It takes a piece by piece view of the eye. Our optometrists then look at this imagery and are able to determine the health of your eyes, or if there are any concerns that need to be further addressed.

Our newest piece of equipment is located in the Natrona Heights office – a Topcon Corneal Topography Machine. Corneal topography is a procedure used to monitor and measure changes that may occur to the shape and integrity of the cornea of your eye.

Computerized corneal topography (also known as computer assisted corneal topography, computer assisted keratography, or video keratography) is a computer-assisted diagnostic technique in which a special instrument projects a series of light rings on the cornea, creating a color-coded map of the corneal surface as well.

The series of illuminated rings, referred to as a placido disc, are reflected back into the instrument. This process delivers accurate, high resolution images of the anterior corneal surface. Corneal topography testing provides the optometrists with a detailed description of various curvature and shape characteristics of the cornea. This type of testing is particularly helpful in pre and post op surgery.

This information provided in the testing illustrates corneal astigmatism, detection of corneal pathologies and perfection of contact lens fitting. Through the use of the corneal topography machine, it provides the perfect platform for contact lens fitting. Simulation software is used in tandem with the testing, which automatically selects the best fitting contact lens based upon a complete contact lens database for all the main manufacturers.

If we break this down in very basic terms, when you look at a mountain, the OCT test looks at the land terrain by section and the Corneal Topography test is like a drone looking down at the overall shape of the mountain. If you combine both together, you are able to have a very comprehensive view of the overall structure of the mountain.

Bissell Eye Care invests in these types of diagnostic technologies to provide you and your family with comprehensive eye care services. If you have questions about these diagnostic tools, or other eye care concerns, give our office a call at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444.

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify. The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.