Eye Care Technology

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

This is a non-invasive imaging test similar to ultrasound but instead of sound waves, it uses light waves to take pictures of a cross-section of your retina and optic nerve. Your ophthalmologist can see each layer of your retina and measure its thickness. This helps in the treatment of glaucoma and retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic eye disease. 

Color Fundus Photography

Eye doctors can actually capture photos of the back of the eye using a specialized camera called a fundus or retina camera. This type of camera has an intricate microscope attached to be able to photograph the interior surface of the eye including the retina, optic nerve, and macula (the part of the retina where your best vision is created). Being able to see the back of the eye in this way helps with the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, macular edema, and retinal detachment, among other conditions.

Visual Field Testing (Perimetry)

Eye care professionals like Dr. Potthoff in Traverse City can use this to test peripheral vision. We have one in our office, an automated perimetry machine (called the Octopus) that measures your responses to objects in different areas of your field of vision. In this way, it can detect blind spots and other visual field defects. It’s very helpful in detecting early signs of diseases of the eye, especially glaucoma.

Ophthalmic Biometry

Need cataract surgery in Traverse City? Your eye surgeon will use ophthalmic biometry prior to eye surgery to measure your eyes. This gives your ophthalmologist crucial information about the shape and size of your eyes which will then determine what size and type of lenses will be right for you. Ultrasound biometry used to be utilized but it involved direct contact with the cornea and the use of anesthetics. It could be uncomfortable for the patient and inaccurate. The machine that we use is called the Lenstar, and it is the most advanced technology available!

YAG Laser

After cataract surgery your cataract can never come back, but sometimes the membrane that holds the implant lens in place can eventually become hazy and may cause blurry vision. If this happens, Dr. Potthoff can perform a YAG laser capsulotomy which utilizes a laser to create a small opening in the membrane while leaving the implanted lens untouched. This procedure is painless, takes only a few minutes to perform, and is done right here in our office in Traverse City. Most importantly, it restores your clear vision!