Our Technology in Toronto

The Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT) is a tool for the early detection and management of glaucoma–an often symptomless, sight-threatening disease. HRT is extremely valuable in monitoring those with known glaucoma risk. HRT compliments the doctor’s visual examination of the optic nerve, along with automated visual field analysis and Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) interpretation.

Visual field testing and analysis can be instrumental in quantifying different forms of vision loss and can even help determine where the issue originates–whether in the eye, optic nerve, or brain.

The Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer 3 (HFA3), the gold/standard in automated visual field testing, allows the doctors to choose from various testing strategies to help diagnose–and manage–multiple conditions.

For younger patients with known or detected pathology, we employ the Retinalogik virtual reality automated visual field analyzer. This state of the art device provides the doctor with a quick initial screening visual field to determine if a more in depth assessment is indicated.

Visual fields are beneficial in detecting many ocular conditions, such as glaucoma & macular degeneration, as well as brain tumors, stokes, some forms of multiple sclerosis, certain retinal pathologies, and cataracts, to name but a few. The tests also allow us to monitor specific systemic issues that can impact the eyes, like medication toxicity caused by certain drugs, natably Tamoxifen and Plaquenil/Hydrocychloroquin.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging technology that can be used to obtain image the 10 discrete layers of the retina as well as some of the choroid below the retina. Unlike ultrasound, OCT uses light rather than sound to generate an image.

OCT measures the thickness of the retinal nerve fibre layer in glaucoma and other optic nerve diseases. It is the most accurate way to detect, diagnose, monitor, and manage macular degeneration and other retinal conditions.

In this day and age, it is crucial of eye care practices to have an OCT in order to deliver the gold standard of care, but having and OCT is not enough as the technology itself does not make a diagnosis. Proper analysis and interpretation of the scans is the crucial part. All of our doctors are skilled in the interpretation of OCT testing.

Pachymetry refers to the precise measuring of the thickness of the cornea (the clear window of tissue that covers the coloured part of the eye). This value is needed in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma as well in the determination of one’s candidacy for LASER corrective surgeries. It is also need in the diagnosis and management of corneal conditions and pathologies.

Meibography is the imaging of the meibomian glands of the eyelids which often atrophy and become dysfunctional as we age, contributing to dry eye disease and symptoms of stinging, irritation, and fluctuating vision. By determining the status of these glands and level of atrophy and dysfunction, our doctors can catch the early stages of changes and tailor a preventative and preserving treatment plan for those who do not yet complain of symptoms, as well as one for those who are symptomatic to provide them with relief.

The sate-of-the-art N3 VR headset, the Neurolens diagnostic evaluation software to determine misalignments of the 2 eyes at both distance & near, as well as insufficiencies in an individual’s ability to trun their eyes inward towards each other as needed when they look at things up close, like a computer or cell phone. Abnormalities and deficiencies in the eyes’ alignment plays a huge role in complaints of trigeminal dyshoria, including symptoms of eye strain, general eye fatiguing, headaches, light sensitivity, blurred near vision and neck/shoulder/upper back issues, associated with prolonged computer and smartphone use. The test results along with other tests performed by the doctor in the exam room, will allow the doctor to prescribe highly specialized Neurolenses to provide patients with relief of these symptoms and allow them to a chance to return to more symptom-free functioning.