Intravenous Fluorescein Angiography (IVFA)
Fluorescein angiography is a diagnostic procedure which uses a special camera to take a series of photographs of the retina, the light sensitive tissue in the back of the eye. A special water-soluble dye (fluorescein) is injected into a vein in the hand. The dye then travels through the veins and into the arteries, which circulate throughout the body. As the dye passes through the blood vessels of the choroid and retina, the photographer takes a series of photographs in rapid succession. This allows the doctor to see signs of circulation problems, swelling, leakage, or abnormal blood vessel formation.
Heidelberg Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (Spectralis™ OCT)
The Spectralis™OCT is a laser imaging system which allows the doctor to see a 3-D image of the internal structure of the retina. This non-invasive test takes only a few minutes to preform, offering our patients the best, state of the art retina diagnostics in the world today.
1. Focal Laser
The purpose of focal laser treatment is to cauterize the abnormally growing blood vessels or injured blood vessels to reduce the amount of leakage, thereby reducing swelling of the retina. Focal laser is designed to prevent further worsening of vision.
2. Pan Retinal Photocoagulation
The purpose of the laser is to destroy the oxygen-starved retina so as to reduce the growth of the abnormal blood vessels or cause their shrinkage.