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Diagnostic Tests

Cutting-edge diagnostic tests and eye imaging equipment in Malta.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

OCT is an indispensable tool for doctors to carry out eye examinations more accurately. It gives accurate information about the retina and the macula, which are responsible for the delivery of sharp images. 

With this information, your eye doctor can recommend the proper treatment, follow the progress of the disease if any, and assess the effectiveness of the treatment. The test is painless, and quick.

OCT can assist in the diagnosis of several conditions including:

  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Glaucoma
  • Fundus lesions caused by diabetes (maculopathy)
  • Other types of macular diseases

At Saint James Eye Clinic, we use the Cirrus 5000, which is a newly developed diagnostic device by Zeiss.

Diagnostic tests for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

The age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness and visual impairment in adults over the age of 50, and OCT examination plays a crucial role since it is able to detect any early changes that do not cause any noticeable visual complaints. 

Diagnostic tests for diabetic maculopathy

Diabetic maculopathy is a severe visual impairment often caused by some form of retinal damage that occurs in the macula. A timely eye examination using a diagnostic tool such as the OCT helps to identify the problem so that appropriate treatment can be started on time.

Diagnostic tests for glaucoma

Glaucoma is a chronic, slow-progressive disease in which the number of optic nerve fibers decrease persistently. Clear vision can only be protected with timely diagnosis and appropriate therapy. 

 In addition to medication to regulate the eye pressure, regular monitoring by means of computerised visual field tests, fundus examination and OCT are of utmost importance.

Visual Field Test

Early detection of glaucoma is not possible without a visual field test. This has become a necessary requirement and a must in the world of ophthalmology. A visual field defect may also be the initial symptom of some other neurological disease.

The purposes of the visual field test are:

  • Diagnosis of eye diseases, tracking the state of the optic nerve, especially in case of glaucoma
  • Diagnosis of neurological diseases
  • Monitoring progression of eye diseases

Visual field test can also help the early diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases. In case of glaucoma, visual fields test plays an important role to identify defects and assess the therapy efficacy during the progression of the disease.

Corneal Topography

Corneal topography is a non-invasive medical imaging technique for mapping the surface curvature of the cornea, the outer structure of the eye. 

Since the cornea is normally responsible for some 70% of the eye’s refractive power, its topography is of critical importance in determining the quality of vision and corneal health.

The three-dimensional map is therefore a valuable aid to:

  • Examining ophthalmologist or optometrist and can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of a number of conditions such as keratoconus
  • Plan cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange (RLE)
  • Plan refractive surgery such as FemtoLasik, and evaluating its results
  • Assess the fit of contact lenses

Other Treatments

Learn More

Refractive Lens Exchange

Replacing the natural lens of your eye, and inserting a tailor made lens that can help you see from near and far distances without the use of spectacles.

Cataract Extraction

Removing the cloudy lens, and replacing it with a premium lens for a better visual outcome.

Phakic Lens Implantation

Inserting a small lens beneath the surface of the eye for those having high myopia and wanting to get rid of their glasses or contact lenses.

Intracorneal Ring Segments (ICRS) Implantation

Inserting an ophthalmic medical device for reducing or eliminating myopia and astigmatism in patients with keratoconus.

Ready to correct your vision?