Latest in Retina Imaging at Ticho Eye Associates
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Hey there, friends! We're excited to share some amazing advancements in retinal imaging that are making waves in the world of eye care. At Ticho Eye Associates, we're proud to offer the latest cutting-edge technology to ensure the best possible diagnosis and treatment for our patients. Let's dive into some of these incredible tools and how they're used to identify and manage conditions like AMD, geographic atrophy, and diabetic retinopathy.
Advanced Imaging Technologies
Our office has state-of-the-art imaging modalities, including Zeiss Cirrus and Heidelberg Spectralis OCT imaging, infrared imaging, and wide-field retinal photography. These tools help us capture detailed images of your retina, allowing for precise diagnosis and effective monitoring of various retinal diseases.
Nonexudative AMD/Geographic Atrophy (GA)
Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with no current treatment to reverse vision loss. Early stages may not involve the fovea, leading to symptoms like scotoma and metamorphopsia, but as GA progresses, profound vision loss can occur. Our imaging technologies, such as fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT), allow us to accurately diagnose and monitor these changes.
Fundus Photography and FAF
Color fundus photography captures detailed retina images, but FAF offers higher contrast for delineating GA borders, making it easier to visualize and track changes over time. While fundus photography shows hypopigmented areas, FAF highlights the natural fluorescence of lipofuscin in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), showing GA as darker areas on the image.
OCT Imaging
OCT provides fast, well-tolerated scans that reveal increased signal transmission below the retina and RPE into the choroid, indicating atrophy. We use OCT to measure photoreceptor loss and monitor progression, a crucial aspect of ongoing clinical trials for GA treatments.
Infrared Imaging
Infrared imaging is beneficial for detecting reticular pseudodrusen, a risk factor for progression to late AMD. This imaging modality is more comfortable for patients and allows for high-contrast visualization of GA, appearing lighter than the surrounding tissue.
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)
For our patients with diabetic retinopathy, we offer advanced imaging techniques such as fluorescein angiography (FA) and OCT angiography (OCTA). These tools help us assess macular ischemia and peripheral lesions, providing a comprehensive view of the retina and enabling timely intervention.
UWF FA allows us to visualize peripheral lesions that standard FA might miss. This can increase the DR severity score and prompt earlier treatment, helping to manage the disease more effectively.
OCTA offers a non-invasive way to assess macular vessel density and detect early changes in diabetic patients, even before visible retinal vasculature changes occur. This technology is crucial for monitoring and treating diabetic retinopathy effectively.
Future Directions
The future of retinal imaging looks bright with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies like fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) and adaptive optics (AO). These advancements promise earlier detection and better management of retinal diseases, ensuring our patients receive the best care possible.
Ready to Experience the Latest in Retinal Imaging?
At Ticho Eye Associates, we're committed to providing state-of-the-art eye care using the latest in retinal imaging technology. Dr. Benjamin Ticho and our team of experts are here to help you maintain your eye health with the best tools available. Our offices are conveniently located in Chicago Ridge, Tinley Park, IL, and Munster, IN.
Got questions or need an appointment? We're just a phone call away! Reach out to us at 708-873-0088. Remember, we're here for all your eye care needs, including emergencies.
Stay healthy, stay informed, and we look forward to seeing you at Ticho Eye Associates!