A Closer Look

Our Eye Health Technology

CIRRUS OCT, retinal and anterior-segment photos, IOLMaster biometry, Goldmann and iCare pressure checks, gonioscopy, and visual fields at Midtown in Santa Cruz.

Care at Midtown Optometry

Imaging
Retinal and anterior-segment photos; screening five-line raster OCT and targeted CIRRUS OCT when indicated.
Pressure and angle
Goldmann and iCare tonometry, plus gonioscopy.
Growth and visual function
IOLMaster biometry; Radius, OCULUS, and Humphrey FDT fields.

Different tests answer different questions. At Midtown, we combine an eye examination with imaging and measurements when they are useful for your care. Your doctor explains what each test adds and how the results affect the plan.

ZEISS CIRRUS OCT: a view through the layers

Optical coherence tomography uses light to build cross-sectional views of the retina and optic-nerve-related structures. It helps us monitor conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinal changes. Comparing scans over time can reveal changes that deserve closer attention.

Grayscale OCT cross-section of a healthy adult retina, showing the foveal dip and distinct retinal layers
A spectral-domain OCT scan shows the layers of the retina and the central foveal dip. This healthy-retina image comes from a published teaching dataset; your doctor interprets your own scans alongside your examination.Vasudevan Lakshminarayanan, Priyanka Roy, and Peyman Gholami / University of Waterloo · CC0 1.0 · public domain · Converted to lossless WebP at the original dimensions; scan content unaltered.

ZEISS CLARUS and fundus photography: the bigger picture

CLARUS captures wide-field retinal images. Fundus photographs document the appearance of the retina and optic nerve so we can compare visits and share findings when referring you. Photography and OCT provide complementary information. Imaging does not automatically replace dilation when a dilated examination is indicated.

Fundus photograph showing a healthy retina, branching blood vessels, central macula, and pale optic disc
A fundus photograph shows the retina from the front. This normal educational example from the credited independent source helps locate the vessels and optic nerve.Mikael Häggström · CC0 · Resized and converted to WebP; image content unaltered.

Optical biometry: measuring eye growth

Our ZEISS IOLMaster optical biometer measures axial length—the distance from the front to the back of the eye. In myopia management, repeated measurements help us assess eye growth alongside changes in prescription. We use the trend, the child’s age, and the examination to guide decisions.

Eye cross-section showing distant light focusing in front of the retina in myopia
In a myopic eye, distant light focuses in front of the retina. Treatment aims to slow further progression; correction brings the image into focus.National Eye Institute / NIH · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and converted to WebP; image content unaltered.

Radius, OCULUS, and Humphrey FDT visual fields

Our Radius headset-based visual-field system checks how well you detect lights in different areas of your vision. This provides functional information that complements OCT’s structural measurements, particularly in glaucoma care. Reliable testing sometimes requires repetition or confirmation with additional methods.

We also use OCULUS visual-field testing and Humphrey FDT, which uses frequency-doubling stimuli. These systems provide different testing approaches. Your doctor chooses a protocol and compares reliable results over time; values from different instruments need appropriate interpretation.

Goldmann and iCare tonometry

We use both Goldmann applanation and iCare rebound tonometry to measure eye pressure. Goldmann uses a small contact tip after numbing drops, usually with fluorescein dye. iCare uses a light, brief-contact rebound probe and generally needs no numbing drops. Technique and corneal properties influence measurements; we interpret the result alongside the examination and prior readings. iCare’s rebound technology.

Gonioscopy: examining the drainage angle

With a specialized contact lens at the slit lamp, gonioscopy lets us inspect the angle where fluid drains from the eye. This helps distinguish open from narrow or closed angles and informs treatment and referral decisions, including whether a patient is suitable for SLT. Eye pressure, angle findings, optic-nerve structure, and visual function all contribute to glaucoma assessment.

Images we can compare over time

At our examinations, we recommend retinal photographs, a screening five-line raster OCT, and anterior-segment photographs to create a record that can be compared at later visits. Retinal photos show the appearance of the back of the eye; the OCT samples cross-sectional retinal detail; anterior-segment photos document visible structures at the front of the eye. Together with the clinical examination, they help us recognize and follow changes.

The screening raster covers a limited retinal area. Symptoms or findings may call for dilation, a fuller macular scan, optic-nerve or nerve-fiber analysis, visual fields, or specialist assessment. Your doctor interprets the images in context and recommends the appropriate testing. Explore our imaging and examination tools.

Tests chosen for you

Your findings and care plan guide the tests selected for each visit. The examination, symptoms, medical history, and follow-up plan determine what is appropriate. We discuss the reason for testing and any anticipated charges.

Manufacturer resources

Original IOLMaster repeatability study in myopic children · ZEISS optical biometry.

PRACTICAL ANSWERS

Common questions

Which diagnostic equipment does Midtown Optometry use?

Midtown uses CIRRUS OCT, CLARUS and fundus photography, anterior-segment imaging, ZEISS IOLMaster biometry, Goldmann and iCare tonometry, gonioscopy, and Radius, OCULUS, and Humphrey FDT visual-field testing. Your findings guide which tests are appropriate.

How are OCT and retinal photographs different?

A retinal photograph records the appearance of the back of the eye. OCT measures cross-sectional retinal and optic-nerve structures. The images provide complementary information that your doctor interprets alongside the examination and other testing.

Why measure axial length instead of only the glasses prescription?

Axial length measures the eye’s front-to-back length. It adds information about eye growth that the prescription alone does not provide, helping us follow myopia progression over time.

How we monitor childhood myopia →
Which images do you recommend at an eye exam?

We recommend retinal photographs, a screening five-line raster OCT, and anterior-segment images to establish a baseline and compare changes over time. Screening scans sample a limited area; findings can call for dilation or targeted diagnostic testing.

These educational resources support a conversation with your eye doctor. Your examination and medical history guide individual treatment decisions.

MIDTOWN OPTOMETRY · SANTA CRUZ

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