Retinal vascular disease causes changes in the flow of blood through the retinal vessels. This is frequently accompanied by alteration in the retinal thickness and often results in changes in visual function. Blood flow and leakage from the vessels is diagnosed with fluorescein angiography. A small volume of a water soluble dye (fluorescein) is injected into a vein in the arm while a trained photographer photographs the retina as the vessels fill with the dye. This all shows up on pictures captured either digitally or on film depending on the format being used at the time. This test is available in both offices of The Retina Center.

Optical Coherence Tomography:

The thickness of the retina is evaluated by Dr. Goldman during the examination, and can be accurately measured by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). This recently developed instrument allows for topographical analysis of irregularities in contour of the retinal surface as well as painless measurement of the retinal thickness down to a small fraction of a millimeter. This technique works by reflecting light off the retina which is then captured by a computer which measures the differences in the density of the reflected light. This newest form of technological advancement is available only in the McDonogh Crossroads office of The Retina Center.

Ophthalmic Ultrasound:

This technique is also available in the McDonogh Crossroads office of The Retina Center. Sound waves are directed through a small smooth probe placed on the eye. The sound waves bounce off the structures within the eye, and are enhanced by a computer. This instrument is useful in analysis of the status of the retina in cases of hemorrhage in the vitreous cavity, as well as measurement and diagnosis of intraocular tumors.

Therapeutic Services:

Numerous diseases can be treated right in one of the comfortable offices of The Retina Center. Detailed discussion of treatments available are discussed in the special section on Retinal Diseases.