Advanced technology means more accurate diagnoses for our patients, and more accurate diagnoses lead to more effective treatments. At Brazosport Eye Institute, we test patients six months of age and older for vision and optic nerve disorders such as amblyopia, glaucoma and multiple sclerosis (MS). We can also test for neuro-visual problems caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI) plus age-related macular degeneration (AMD), macular edema and other maculopathies.
Two of our newest and most advanced tests are:
The Diopsys® NOVA-VEP Vision Testing System
This is part of the Diopsys® NOVA tests that use a technology called visual evoked potential, or VEP, to objectively measure the functional responses of the entire visual pathway from the anterior segment of the eye to the visual cortex. Using VEP test results can help improve sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing visual pathway disorders when used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests.
The Diopsys® NOVA-ERG Vision Testing System
This is an office-based pattern electroretinography (ERG) module that can help Brazosport’s doctors obtain objective, functional information about inner retinal cell performance, especially in the macula. We use the information gathered from testing to aid in the diagnosis and care of diseases that affect the retina according to specific topographic patterns. These include AMD, diabetic macular edema and toxic maculopathy. These diseases usually demonstrate an expected pattern of macular deterioration that affects the central or paracentral area of the macula. The NOVA-ERG’s data helps us detect the cellular dysfunction that precedes obvious structural defects. The system contributes to earlier detection for specific, timely management of diseases that impair macular and ganglion cells.
We use these advanced technologies to more accurately diagnose eye disease and apply the most effective treatments available.
TearLab
The TearLab Osmolarity System is the single most accurate and objective test for diagnosing Dry Eye Disease. TearLab generates an Osmolarity number, which provides significant information to Dr. Grady by providing an objective, quantitative endpoint that correlates to increasing disease severity, and enables Dr. Grady to monitor your response to treatment. The test is fast, easy, and accurate – requiring only 50-nanoliters of tear for analysis – a sample smaller than the period at the end of this sentence. It is also more patient friendly than older generation tests, as it is not intrusive, and requires no anesthesia and can produce a sample-to-answer result in less than 30 seconds.
Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT)
We are only the second eye care center in Texas to use the latest implantable miniature telescope for the treatment of AMD. The IMT, which works very much like the telephoto lens of a camera, received FDA approval in 2010.
As with cataract surgery, the procedure involves replacing the lens with the IMT. The tiny telescope is implanted behind the iris, the colored, muscular ring around the pupil. Though IMT doesn’t cure AMD, it does help improve the vision of patients so they can resume their favorite activities and live independently. FDA guidelines require potential candidates to be 75 or older, have irreversible dry AMD and no longer candidates for drug treatment. The guidelines also exclude people who have had previous cataract surgery.
To learn more about our use of advanced technology, call Brazosport Eye Institute at 979.297.2961. You can also schedule your consultation by filling out our online Request an Appointment form. We help patients from Lake Jackson, Freeport, Angleton, Pearland (Brazoria County, TX), Columbia Lakes and Bay City (Matagorda County, TX).
