Retinal Diagnostics & Treatments

This uncomplicated and harmless examination enables painless and contact-free imaging of the retinal tissue in the highest resolution even with a narrow pupil. Light waves are reflected very differently by the back of the eye and these reflections are converted into detailed images by the computer system. These "reflection images" provide a precise insight into the finest structures and can show even the smallest and often previously unrecognized details of the retina (virtually like a cross-sectional image).

A decisive advantage of OCT is the possibility to objectively measure changes and fluid deposits (so-called edema) over different points in time. Thus, OCT examination is not only the basis for the diagnosis of various diseases (e.g. age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, vascular occlusions, etc.) but also an indispensable part of serious follow-up examinations after treatment.

With the ultra-widefield retinal imaging system (such as the Mirante or Optomap), more than 80% of the retina is captured in a high-resolution digital panoramic image. The advantage is that no pupil dilation is necessary for this and you can drive again immediately after the examination.

With the classic-conventional methods of retinal imaging, only about 10 to 15% of the retina can be viewed at once. In this case, pupil dilation is indispensable for a careful examination. If necessary, after local anesthetic drops, a so-called contact glass (e.g. three-mirror glass) is also placed on the retina in order to better view the retinal periphery.

Thanks to unique technology of ultra-widefield retinal imaging systems, early signs of disease can be seen even in the peripheral areas of the retina without eye drops. The images can later be stored for analysis and documentation, processed and/or transferred to patients/follow-up physicians.

The examination is completely harmless and the eye is not touched during the process. Taking the image takes only a few seconds and does not cause any pain. The patient is asked to fixate a given point and sees a bright light shining. The duration of the measurement depends somewhat on the patient's cooperation. Usually it lasts only a few seconds.

Typical areas of application are e.g.:

• Preliminary examination of the retina before eye surgery for vision correction (corneal surgery, implanted lenses of any kind)
• Preventive examination of the fundus of the eye
• Changes in the blood vessels supplying the retina (in case of vascular occlusion or diabetic changes)
• Changes in the peripheral retina (especially for visualization of retinal holes and vitreous changes)
• Changes in the central retina including the macula (see explanations below) in macular degeneration or in various diabetic changes
• Inflammations in the eye such as retinitis (inflammation of the retina)