Therapeutic Optometry
Therapeutic Optometrists are qualified and registered to treat certain eye diseases and injuries, prescribe some medicines and perform other procedures.
Retinal Camera
An important part of your eye examination includes an overall visual health examination of the eyes. Many changes caused by eye disease occur slowly and without obvious signs of discomfort. These include glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. Health problems such as diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) can also cause changes in the eye.
Our examination equipment includes a retinal camera that photographs the back of the eye and is a diagnostic tool giving optimum patient care. In the same way that a dentist uses x-ray as part of the dental care process, so the retinal camera provides our optometrists with essential information to demonstrate any changes that have occurred between examinations. Regular eye examinations are important so that changes can be detected, monitored or, if necessary, referred.
Glaucoma Testing
Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that can occur at any age, but it is more common as we grow older. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in New Zealand. When diagnosed early, vision loss from glaucoma is usually controllable with ongoing treatment.
In most people this damage is due to increased pressure inside the eye. In other patients the damage will be caused by poor blood supply to the fibres of the optic nerve or problems in the health or structure of the nerve itself. While the measurement of the pressure inside the eye is important, there are a number of other tests and procedures used to check for glaucoma.
Visual Fields Investigation
This is important in the diagnosis and management of a number of eye and general health conditions, including glaucoma.
We use a computerised instrument to test your peripheral vision and to map the visual fields. The side vision map produced by the computerised perimetry text shows exactly where different intensities of light were seen (or not seen) in your field of vision.
Dilated Fundus Examination
When examining the back of the eye (the retina), your optometrist has a number of techniques at their disposal. Most require shining a bright light in your eyes. This light does no harm to your eyes but it may dazzle for a short period of time.
One of the immediate effects that may occur with bright lights is that your pupils constrict. This can significantly reduce the field of view of the peripheral retina for the optometrist.
To overcome this, we may use eye drops that temporarily prevent your pupils reacting to light stimuli enlarging your pupils. These eye drops are known as mydriatics. They enhance the standard of retinal observation and allow your optometrist to examine your eye more thoroughly.
There can be a few temporary side effects. Firstly, since your pupils will take a while to regain their function, your eyes will feel more sensitive to glare and bright light for about 2-3 hours. Also, your ability to focus or see clearly may be limited for about 2-3 hours. These side effects are generally a minor inconvenience only, and definitely worthwhile so that you know that your are as healthy as they can be. However if we are using these drops, we recommend you don’t drive until their effect has worn off.
