The headset and hand lens allows the doctor to examine the back portion of the eye, which includes the retina, optic nerve and vitreous. The hand lenses each have different magnifications to aid in visualizing the retina and optic nerve to determine if there may be any damage.

Our ophthalmologist will also test for ulcers or scratches on the cornea with Fluorescein stain. This is a green dye that will only “stick” to an abrasion and not a healthy cornea. After the dye is rinsed out of the eye we can see if there are any corneal abnormalities and how large/severe they may be.

The slit lamp allows the veterinary ophthalmologist to examine the front part of the eye which includes the eyelids, cornea, anterior chamber, iris, and lens. This particular magnification helps in finding foreign bodies, misplaced eyelashes, and microscopic signs of other ocular diseases.

We perform tonometry to check the eye pressure and rule out or diagnose glaucoma. A high pressure is indicative of glaucoma where a low pressure could be a sign of inflammation. We have both the TonoPen and TonoVet in our office, after giving an anesthetic drop the TonoPen/Vet is lightly touched to the surface of the cornea and after a few gentle taps we will know the intraocular pressure.