Technology
INSTRUMENTS USED IN ROUTINE EXAMINATIONS
Automated Refracting System:
Next time you come in for an exam, you may notice that we have two new instruments with a system controller in the exam room. This is the brand new Automatic Refraction System from Marco, and it is the biggest change in eyeglass prescription testing in over 50 years! The automated system provides a more accurate prescription. This is partially because of its revolutionary simultaneous viewing. Images are viewed side by side, which involves fewer “#1 and #2” decisions. The system also incorporates new techniques to balance the two eyes for better binocular comfort and vision. It electronically downloads the prescription into our computerized record, decreasing the chance of error.
We are proud to be able to offer the best to our patients. All 6 exams rooms are equipped with the new Marco Electronic Refraction Systems. Ready for your next eyeglass or contact lens exam!
MaximEyes:
Since 2003 we have used an electronic medical record system for our patient files. This technology plays an integral role throughout every part of your visit. From scheduling and examination to spectacle ordering and insurance billing, our system allows for improved accuracy and efficiency, which leads to the highest quality care. We have enhanced our system with many upgrades and we have tried to have the most efficient medical records system in the area.
iZon:
Every comprehensive exam incorporates an eye scan from the z-view aberrometer. This produces a map of the cornea that can be used to determine the presence of high order aberrations and make high definition iZon lenses, www.izonlens.com. These lenses use the additional prescription provided by the aberromeeter to correct high order aberrations that were previously not addressed in conventional lenses. Our office is currently the only office on the north coast to offer this technology.
Autorefractor:
An autorefractor is a computer-controlled instrument used during an eye examination to provide an objective measurement of a person's refractive error and prescription for glasses or contact lenses. The information is then refined to the one prescription that provides the patient with the best vision. We have three of these instruments, one of which allows us to prescribe iZon high definition glasses.
Zeiss Slit Lamp Biomicroscope:
The slit lamp is an instrument consisting of a high-intensity light source that can be focused to shine a thin sheet of light into the eye. It is used in conjunction with a biomicroscope to magify and observe eye structures in detail . The binocular slit-lamp examination enables anatomical diagnoses to be made for a variety of eye conditions. It is also used in the contact lens exam to determine the health of the cornea and tear film for wearing contact lenses. We have six Zeiss slipt lamps providing outstanding optis to view your eyes.
Frequency Doubling Technology:
The Frequency Doubling Technology (FDT) is an instrument designed for fast and effective detection of visual field loss. Changes detected with this visual field (side vision) screener are then documented in more detail with threshold fields testing.
Non Contact Tonometer:
The Non Contact Tonometer (NCT) is used during the yearly comprehensive eye exam to allow the doctor to verify intra-ocular pressures with a gentle puff of air to the eye. The eye pressure is measured without touching the eye. This instrument is important in screening for glaucoma and other medical conditions.
Lensometer:
A lensometer is an instrument used to measure the power of an existing lens. If a person does not know their previous prescription, an optician can use the lensometer to read the prescription off of a patient's eyeglasses. We have three automated and one manual lensometer for efficient, accurate care.
SPECIALIZED INSTRUMENTS
Cirrus OCT:
New to our office and Humboldt County is the Cirus OCT retinal scanner. The Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a state of the art, cutting edge scanning device that allows us to view and save an image of every layer of the retina, macula and optic nerve in high definition 3-D views. The doctors use the OCT to monitor macular degeneration, glaucoma and other retinal conditions.
Optos:
The Optos retinal images are ultra-widefield 200 degree views of the retina (the back of the eye). While eye exams generally include a look at the front of the eye to evaluate health and prescription changes, a thorough screening of the retina is critical to verify that your eye is healthy. This can lead to early detection of common diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration, and even cancer. We started in 2003 and are still the only office in the area with this technology that supliments your dilated eye exam.
Eschenbacch Low Vision Rehabilitation System:
Dr. Marcus Appy has opened a full scope low vision practice. We are proud to provide top of the line optical and electronic magnifiers, which allow people to maximize their visual potential. These devices are available for specific work related visual needs or to treat vision loss from conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts. They are available by prescription only.
Pachymeter:
This instrument measures the thickness of the cornea. It is used for glaucoma, keratoconus, and prior to LASIK. It is an important measurement because eye pressures are always inaccurate unless adjusted for corneal thickness.
Humphrey Visual Field Instrument:
This is the gold standard instrument to measure peripheral (side) vision. Glaucoma, strokes and lid droop are some of the many conditions requiring detailed visual fields.
Anterior Segment Camera:
This camera provides high-resolution digital imaging used to document irregularities on the surface of the eye. It is used to screen for injury, cancer and diseases of the retina.
Corneal Topographer:
A corneal topographer uses 8,000 points to produce a printout of the corneal (front lens of eye) shape, much like a topographic map of the earth describes changes in the land surface. The doctor can use these maps to follow the eye’s size, shape, and steepness. The topographer is used to map the eye for custom gas permeable contact lenses, Keratoconas, and Corneal Refractive Therapy (night contacts to change the corneal shape and eliminate daytime glasses or contacts).