Eye Examinations on the Gold Coast
Why do I need an eye test at Miami Eyes?
At Miami Eyes Optometrists we offer comprehensive eye examinations on the Gold Coast for all ages. Our optometrists, practice owners Sara Black and Justin Durkin, take the time to listen to your concerns. Eye tests with your optometrist are an important part of keeping healthy. First and foremost, your vision needs to guide you efficiently to do all the everyday tasks that are required, such as driving, computer work, reading and study. Our eyes are also one of the few places in the body that veins and arteries can be visualised and therefore are a ‘window’ to underlying health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Some eye conditions such as glaucoma can cause vision loss while presenting with very few symptoms, hence often called ‘the silent thief of vision’. Macular degeneration is another ocular condition affecting about 1 in 7 Australians and can cause devastating central vision loss affecting ability to see details such as recognising faces or reading. Regular eye tests can pick up and help manage these conditions.
What sort of eye testing is available?
Refraction or Eye Testing
At Miami Eyes Optometrists on the Gold Coast, we offer several state-of-the-art technologies to test your eyes. Our new upgrade includes an automated phoropter, this amazing new technology allows more seamless comparison of lenses, to obtain the prescription that suits you best. This avoids the click and delay of more old-fashioned testing equipment between lens choices and even allows the two views to be compared side-by-side. This reduces what we call ‘1 or 2 anxiety’. Our new eyechart also has multiple options for kids, non-verbal or non-English speaking patients, as well as ways for us to modify for those that need a little more time during an eye test. Our chart has cute and fun screens for little ones to look at while other aspects of their eye exam are completed.
Eye Health Technology
We are excited to bring to Miami wide-field retinal photography. It is an amazing tool for visualising the back of the eye, including retina, optic nerve, retinal blood vessels and macula. This is important when looking at lesions, tears or detachments in the retina, which often occur in the far peripheral areas. We are the very first practice in Australia to have the brand new Reticam 3100 Plus retinal camera. Where older technology cameras photograph approximately a 45 degree view of the retina, the Reticam takes an excellent 180 degree picture of the retina. It also avoids the obstructive eyelashes and eyelids that can get in the way when using other wide field cameras. This allows the top and bottom areas of the retina to be easily seen and documented.
Virtual Reality Visual Fields Testing
We are thrilled to add Virtual Reality Visual Fields testing to our practice. Let’s face it, if you’ve had visual fields testing before, it can be quite a chore! VR testing is much more enjoyable, quicker and more efficient than traditional Visual Fields Testing. With our advanced technology, the VR headset and visual fields software can map out how well you see in different areas of your vision. For example, in conditions like glaucoma or retinitis pigmentosa, there can be loss of peripheral or ‘side’ vision, in extreme cases described as ‘tunnel vision’. This can make it more difficult for driving and moving around in your environment. On the flipside, there can be loss of central vision in macular disease which can impact more detailed tasks such as reading or visual recognition. Being able to map out the visual fields allows us to track the progress of many ocular conditions and the VR headset is speedy and also portable, making it very versatile.
Glaucoma and Eye Pressure Testing
Many patients are fearful of the explosive puff of air test that was often used to measure pressure in the eyes for glaucoma testing. We now use a tiny probe which instantly feeds back the pressure reading to the optometrist. The test is quick, efficient and absolutely pain and anxiety free for the patient with no dye or anaesthetic drops needed.
Other Eye Tests at Miami Eyes
- Corneal topography
- Dry eye testing and management
To book an eye test on the Gold Coast, contact us at Miami Eyes or Book Online.
