Special Imaging Tests

In the ophthalmology department, various imaging tests are performed using advanced equipment for diagnosis and monitoring.

Among others, the following tests are conducted:

1. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Imaging of the retina and optic nerve. The non-invasive test is not associated with any risks and provides precise information about the macula and optic nerve.

2. Fluorescein Angiography (FA): Imaging that mainly demonstrates the retina and its blood vessels. For this test, a contrast material called fluorescein is injected into a vein, and its flow is then observed (see expansion).

3. Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG): Imaging that visualizes the choroid and retina of the eye. It also involves injecting a contrast material.

4. Ultrasound of the eye's globe: See expansion.

5. Visual Field Test: The patient is asked to identify points of light appearing in different locations, thus determining their visual field in comparison to a healthy visual field. Many conditions can be diagnosed and monitored using this test.

6. Corneal Topography: A test that presents the topographic map of the cornea, including different curvature areas.

The purpose of the imaging is to detect retinal diseases, especially those involving disruptions in retinal blood supply. Through the imaging, it is possible to diagnose and determine the extent of damage associated with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, vascular occlusions, macular degeneration, and more.

The test is performed by injecting a contrast dye into a vein. After the injection, a series of images of the eye's fundus are taken. The dye is eventually eliminated from the body through the kidneys and excreted in the urine, which may cause it to appear as a glowing yellow color.

Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM) is a technique primarily used for imaging the anterior segment of the eye. It was first introduced in 1990 as a way to obtain microscopically detailed cross-sections of the eye. In comparison to regular ultrasound methods like A-Scan or B-Scan (10 MHz), UBM utilizes a much higher frequency range (35-100 MHz) [2]. As a result, it achieves high resolutions, although the penetration depth into tissues is low. UBM can be used to visualize most of the anatomy of the anterior segment, including associated pathologies such as angle-closure glaucoma, ciliary body cysts, tumors, and angle trauma.