EXAMS:The following is a list of diagnostic exams performed by our ophthalmologists at VRCC.

Biomicroscopy – A hand-held microscope is used to view the structures in the front of the eye and surrounding conjunctiva and eyelids at high magnification. The increased magnification permits the ophthalmologist to find small foreign bodies, misplaced eyelashes and microscopic signs of ocular disease.

Indirect Ophthalmoscopy – A head set and hand lens allow the ophthalmologists to view the structures in the back of the eye. They examine the vitreous humor, retina, optic nerve and related structures. Visualization of the back of the eye may reveal a disease or condition that may diminish your pet's vision.

Tonometry – A digital tonometer (TonoPen) is touched to the patient's cornea, after instillation of an anesthetic drop, to determine the intraocular pressure. High pressure is indicative of glaucoma while low pressure may be the result of inflammation in the eye.

Schirmer Tear Testing – Tear test strips are positioned inside the patient's eyelids and left in position for up to one minute. The tears produced by the patient will travel down the paper and allow us to quantify the amount of tears your pet routinely makes in a given period of time. Low tear production is more common in dry climates (like Colorado) but is a disease that is often easily treated. Early detection allows the best possible response to treatment.

Fluorescein Stain – A fluoroscein dye is used to detect any corneal scratches or abrasions as well as tear quality. The stain is also used to track the natural flow of tears from the eyes down to the nostrils.

Gonioscopy – A lens is placed on your pet's cornea to allow better visualization of the irido-corneal angle, where aqueous humor flows out of the eye. A partially or abnormally occluded angle may indicate a predisposition towards glaucoma. ( Gonioscopy is not included in the initial exam charge)

Cytology – Corneal or conjunctival cytology can be used to help make a diagnosis of ocular disease. The ophthalmologist will collect cells from the surface of the eye and place them on a slide, stain them and view them under a microscope. (Cytology is not included in the initial exam charge)