Technology
Many diagnostic tests are performed during the course of a routine eye examination. Some
of the more common instruments used during these tests can be found in most optometric
offices. Brief descriptions of each of their functions are provided below:
Phoropter
A phoropter is an instrument that allows the doctor to accurately determine a patient’s
needed prescription for glasses or contact lenses. As lenses of the phoropter are dialed
in, a patient is asked to respond which lenses yield clearer vision.
Auto-refractor
An auto-refractor is a computerized instrument which estimates the needed prescription
power of the lenses. It is valuable in that it gives the doctor a quicker starting point to begin
the refraction with the phoroptor.
Tonometer
Tonometers are used to measure pressure on the inside of the eye and screens for
certain conditions, such as glaucoma.
Automated visual field testing
Automated visual field testing can detect a multitude of problems found in the eyes or in the
brain. Problems such as retinal detachments, strokes of the optic nerve and in associated
structures, brain tumors, and aneurysms can all be detected by the use of this advanced
test.
Ophthalmoscope
The doctor uses this instrument to obtain a 2-dimensional view of the posterior aspects of
the eye - namely the retina and optic nerve.
Digital Imaging
Digital imaging allows the doctor to take digital photographs of the anterior and posterior
structures of the eyes to help document disease and pathological changes. These digital
computer images can be saved into the patient’s file for future reference and comparison.
They can be e-mailed to specialists around the country for consultation.
GDx™ – Precise RNFL analyser
The GDx is the only glaucoma imaging device with a separate Screening Mode to help you
identify which patients should receive a full glaucoma examination.
