Retinal Diagnostics & Testing

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Diagnostic & Treatment

When it comes to retinal health, early and accurate diagnosis can make all the difference. The retina is a delicate, complex structure at the back of the eye, responsible for receiving light and sending visual signals to the brain. Damage to the retina can lead to vision loss, but with timely diagnosis, many conditions can be treated or managed effectively.

At Northeast Wisconsin Retina Associates, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to evaluate retinal health, monitor disease progression, and guide personalized treatment plans. Whether you're experiencing symptoms like blurry vision, flashes, or floaters, or you’ve been referred by an eye doctor for specialist care, our advanced testing capabilities provide the insights needed to protect your vision.

Common Retinal Diagnostic Tests We Perform

Our practice offers a wide range of in-office tests to evaluate retinal structure, function, and blood flow. Each test is non-invasive or minimally invasive, and most are completed quickly and comfortably. Some of the most commonly used retinal diagnostics include:

Dilated Eye Exam

A dilated eye exam is often the first step in any retinal evaluation. Special eye drops are used to widen the pupil, allowing your retina specialist to get a clearer view of the retina, macula, and optic nerve using a magnifying lens. This basic yet essential test can detect signs of:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Macular degeneration
• Retinal tears or detachment
• Glaucoma
• Vascular changes

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

OCT is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-sectional pictures of the retina. It provides detailed images of the retina’s layers, allowing us to detect swelling, thinning, or structural abnormalities. OCT is especially useful for diagnosing and monitoring:

• Macular edema
• Macular holes
• Epiretinal membranes
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Fluorescein Angiography

This test involves injecting a fluorescent dye into a vein in your arm. As the dye travels through the blood vessels in the retina, a special camera takes images to highlight circulation patterns. Fluorescein angiography helps diagnose conditions involving retinal blood vessels, such as:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Retinal vein occlusion (RVO)
• Wet AMD
• Retinal vasculitis

Fundus Photography

Fundus photography captures high-resolution images of the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. These photographs provide a visual record that can be compared over time to monitor disease progression or response to treatment. It is frequently used in routine retinal evaluations and follow-ups.

Ocular Ultrasound

In cases where the view of the retina is obscured, such as when there is bleeding in the eye (vitreous hemorrhage) or cataract, an ocular ultrasound can help. This test uses sound waves to create an image of the inside of the eye and is particularly helpful in assessing:

• Retinal detachment
• Tumors or masses
• Foreign bodies
• Vitreous abnormalities

What to Expect During Retinal Diagnostic Testing

Retinal diagnostic testing is typically performed in-office during your consultation or follow-up visit. Most tests are painless and quick, though some may involve:

• Eye dilation: You’ll receive drops to enlarge your pupils, which may cause temporary light sensitivity and blurry vision for a few hours.
• Bright lights or flashing lights: These are used in imaging or angiography tests, and may feel unusual but are not harmful.
• Dye injection (for angiography): You may feel a brief, warm sensation during the injection. Side effects are rare and typically mild.
  Our team will walk you through each step, answer any questions, and make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.

How Test Results Guide Treatment

Accurate diagnostic information is key to building an effective care plan. Once your test results are reviewed, your retina specialist will explain:

• The underlying cause of your symptoms or visual changes
• Whether immediate treatment is needed or if monitoring is appropriate
• Which treatments are best suited to your condition, such as injections, laser therapy, or surgery
• How frequently you’ll need follow-up exams or imaging to track your condition
  We’ll take the time to explain your results and discuss next steps so you feel confident in your care plan.