Testing & Diagnostic Services
Tonometry
Tonometry refers to the measurement of the eye pressure. The intraocular pressure can be measured with many different devices and techniques. You may be used to the “air puff” technique, which is commonly employed. At Saskatoon Retina Consultants, we use a device called a Tono-Pen. Before the measurement, your eyes will be anesthetized with a freezing drop. The technician will then lightly touch the surface of the eye (cornea) with the Tono-Pen. The resulting pressure reading will be recorded, your specialist will then have this information for your examination.
Vision Test
In one of the testing rooms, our technician will record your visual acuity. A Snellen vision chart is used for this test. You will be asked to read the letters at the end of the room, starting with large letters and progressively getting smaller. Please bring your current glasses for this test.
Fundus Photography
The fundus refers to the back of the eye, which is lined by the retina. At our office, we routinely take retinal pictures. Photographic documentation can be very valuable for our specialists. Serial pictures can show evidence of disease stability or progression. For this test, you will be positioned in front of the camera lens. You will have your chin on a rest and your head against a band. You will be given a target to look at. The camera will produce several flashes of light. This procedure is not painful and does not harm your eyes.
Optical Coherence Tomography
OCT is a very useful, diagnostic tool used by the doctors at our clinic. This machine utilizes a special laser light which can produce a cross sectional image of the retina. It provides amazing detail about the structure of your retina. This device can document swelling, fluid or bleeding within the retina. For some conditions, such as macular degeneration or macular edema, your physician may order an OCT for you during your visit. The test is painless and only takes a few minutes. Our technician will position your head and chin appropriately. You will have a target to look at, and will notice different colors as the machine scans the back of your eye. This type of laser is safe for your eyes.
Ultrasound
An ocular ultrasound machine is available at our clinic. Our physicians use this in specific situations, eg to examine eye cancer or to evaluate eye after serious trauma. Prior to the test, you will receive anesthetic drops. An ocular gel will be placed over your eye and eyelids. The ultrasound probe is then positioned over the eye. It is not painful, but you may experience a pressure sensation from the probe. The probe gently vibrates and sends the information to the machine's computer for your specialist to analyze. The test only takes a few minutes to complete.
Fluorescein Angiography (Done at Saskatoon City Hospital)
This test can be used to examine the retinal blood flow. It involves intravenous injection of a fluorescent dye. As the dye travels through the retinal circulation, a trained photographer takes a number of pictures very quickly. It provides valuable information for your retina specialist, especially for conditions such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. Pupil dilation is required prior to this test. This procedure is quite safe, allergic reactions may occur but they are very infrequent.