Diagnosis & Testing of
Macular Degeneration (AMD)

In order to most precisely diagnose macular degeneration, we may find it necessary to have detailed color photographs of your macula and retina taken. It may also be necessary for you to have a Fluorescein Angiogram (FA). To prepare you for a Fluorescein Angiogram, eye drops will be placed in your eyes to dilate your pupils. Then a fluorescent dye, called Sodium Fluorescein, will be injected into a vein in your arm. Do not be concerned, as this will not cause you to be uncomfortable. The dye will begin to circulate after about 10-15 seconds. At this time a series of photographs will be taken in rapid succession using a high-speed digital retinal camera as the dye passes throughout the retinal blood vessels. From these pictures, if present, the doctor will be able to see any fluid leakage or new blood vessel growth beneath the retina. The FA will also show any changes or damage to the macula and retina and the extent of the changes.

Most important, Intravenous Fluorescein Angiography gives us a great deal of information regarding whether certain types of treatments such as Lucentis® Injections or Eyelea® Injections might help stabilize your vision and prevent vision loss. Today, thanks to the advances in treating Wet Macular Degeneration, if caught early, it may be possible to avoid suffering significant vision loss.

At The Eye Care & Surgery Center, we use the most advanced computer imaging technology in order to make the earliest and most accurate diagnosis of macular degeneration. Our Retinal Computer Imaging system is called OCT or Optical Coherence Tomography. The OCT uses a method called “optical coherence tomography” that is capable of creating digital images of the Retina and Macula through the use of special beams of light in order to create a contour map of the Retina and Macula and detect microscopic changes in thickness or the accumulation of fluid beneath the retina or macula. This technique is similar to the CT Scans used to study organ systems and tissues throughout your body. 

The goal of OCT Retinal Computer Imaging is to give us the ability to detect the slightest change in retinal or macular thickness in order to diagnose macular degeneration at the earliest possible stage. This will give us the best opportunity to stop the progression of the disease and preserve your vision. We perform OCT Computer Imaging right in the comfort and convenience of our office at The Eye Care & Surgery Center.