Technology
Using advanced technology, Oak Hill Eye Care can diagnose virtually any eye problem. One of our highly trained and experienced staff will meet you and examine your eyes using a combination of the following technologies:
PHOROPTER
The Phoropter has not changed much in the past 100 years. It is used to determine the prescription of glasses and contact lenses. There are now electronic ones, but we believe the standard design is still the best and most accurate.
OPTOS RETINAL SCANNER
The Optos Retinal Scanner is a high speed scanning laser that enables our doctors to capture a real time image of your retina without being dilated. The scan takes less than half of a second, is completely painless, and does not harm the eye.
TOPOGRAPHER
A Topographer is used to map the surface of the cornea; similar to capturing a fingerprint of the front surface of the eye. A Topographer can detect corneal irregularities caused by a poor fitting contact lens or a disease process. It is also one of the instruments we use to diagnosis if you are a candidate for LASIK surgery.
OCT
An OCT uses light like sonar uses sound. The laser bounces off different layers of the retina, essentially allowing us to do a biopsy of the eye with light. The different layers of cells that make up the retina can be seen separately and a more accurate diagnosis can be achieved. An OCT is used to diagnosis and monitor glaucoma, macular degeneration, and complications from diabetes.
VEP/ERG
The VEP (Visual Evoked Potential) and ERG (Electroretinogram) are cutting edge technologies that measure the electrical activity of the visual system. The VEP measures the electrical impulse of the optic nerve. This allows the detection of the loss in the function of the nerve and retina, which is a very beginning sign of the disease process, instead of diagnosing the damage of the structure of the nerve and retina. This permits for treatment of numerous eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy to be started before significant damage has occurred.
Oak Hill Eye Care is proud to be one of the few practices in Austin that utilizes this technology.
IPL
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light which is a technology used in various medical and aesthetic treatments. It is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes broad-spectrum light to target specific inflammatory issues around the eyelids. IPL has been implemented in our practices as the most successful treatment of inflammatory dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction. Light energy and heat deactivate inflammatory blood vessels, called telangiectasias, that cause redness, grittiness, and tearing.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency involves the application of low- level radiofrequency energy to the meibomian glands and the eyelids. During a radiofrequency session, a handheld device is used to apply radiofrequency energy. The device emits gentle heat. Which helps liquefy and unclog any obstructions within the glands, promoting better oil flow and function. The radiofrequency energy tightens the eyelids, giving the eye a more forceful blind. Allowing the meibomian glands to express oils fully.
Lipiflow
Lipiflow is a treatment specifically designed to address dry eye syndrome cause by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). MGD is the most common underlying factor in cases of dry eye. The meibomian glands become blocked with thickened oil. The procedure contains a heating element that gently warms the inner surface of the eyelids. The heat melts and liquifies any obstructions within the meibomian glands. Once the oils are adequately melted, gentle, intermittent pulses are applied to the eyelids. This pressure helps express any stagnant oil, increasing the glands output.
Miboflo
Miboflo works in a similar way to Lipiflow with heat and gentle pressure to relieve blocked meibomian glands. This procedure has been proven effective in mild cases of dry eye. As the device only applies heat to the external side of the eyelid. Ask your eye care practitioner which treatment is recommended for your specific needs.