View Annual Report - Jules Stein Eye Institute

Clinical Laboratories
The Ophthalmology Clinical Laboratories provide
precise measurements, photographs, and quantitative
studies of the eye and the visual system. Quantitative
information of this type enhances patient care by
increasing the accuracy of diagnosis and enlarging
the parameters employed to assess the clinical course
and effectiveness of treatment. Additionally, the clinical
laboratories expand the scope of treatment alternatives,
promote clinical research, and generally augment the
effectiveness of ophthalmic disease management.
The laboratories are available to all ophthalmologists
in the community.
Corneal Diagnostic Laboratory
The Corneal Diagnostic Laboratory, under the direction
of Dr. Anthony J. Aldave, offers a comprehensive array
of corneal imaging modalities. Services include imaging
of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces with the
Marco OPD-Scan III and Bausch and Lomb Orbscan
topographers and the Ziemer GALILEI Dual Scheimpflug
Analyzer, and imaging of the corneal endothelium for
assessment of corneal endothelial cell morphology
and density using the KONAN CellChek XL specular
microscope. Full-thickness confocal microscopic
imaging of the cornea, a very useful tool in the diagnosis
of suspected fungal, acanthamoebic and other
parasitic infections of the cornea, is performed with
the Heidelberg HRT3 confocal microscope. This
instrument can also perform optical pachymetry to
noninvasively measure LASIK residual bed thicknesses
and flap thicknesses as well as evaluate the LASIK
interface for possible infections, diffuse lamellar
keratitis, and ingrowth.
84 Programs | Clinical Laboratories
Glaucoma Photography Laboratory
The Glaucoma Photography Laboratory, under the
direction of Dr. Joseph Caprioli, provides specialized
photographs for new and follow-up glaucoma patients
to assist the ophthalmologist in the management of
patients with this disease. The GDX Nerve Fiber
Analyzer utilizes polarized light in place of dilation to
measure the thickness of the nerve fiber layer. This
test is particularly useful in diagnosing new glaucoma.
Heidelberg retinal tomography, using confocal laser
light, measures additional parameters of the optic nerve,
and provides more information on the nerve fiber layer.
Optical coherence tomography utilizes reflected light
to measure the nerve fiber layer as well as to measure
macular holes as a staging procedure for surgical repair.
An ophthalmic fundus camera photographs the optic
nerve in stereo. The Laboratory is conducting clinical
studies to evaluate the effectiveness of each photographic
modality in terms of predictive accuracy and
early detection of glaucoma.
Ocular Motility
Clinical and Basic Science Laboratory
The Ocular Motility Clinical and Basic Science Laboratory,
under the direction of Dr. Joseph L. Demer,
records and quantitatively analyzes eye movement
abnormalities resulting from ocular and neurological
disorders, such as ocular myasthenia gravis. Several
types of tests are performed. The Hess test utilizes
specialized eye charts and lenses to assist in the diag-
nosis of a number of problems, including double vision.
Magnetic scleral search coil techniques are utilized in
clinical research studies to detect fine movements not
evident through normal visual examination. Another test
involves the visual recording of eye movement using a
video camera. The Laboratory also engages in basic
science research to further understanding of eye
movement as well as diseases of the eye, brain, and
muscles, and related tissues of the inner ear.
Under the direction of Dr. Joseph L. Demer
(standing), the Ocular Motility Clinical and
Basic Science Laboratory engages in basic
science research to further understanding
of eye movement and diseases of the eye,
brain, muscles, and related tissues of the
inner ear.