Anterior segment imaging produces images of the front of your eyes. Depending on your condition, this may be the eyelids, cornea, iris or lens of your eye (please see diagram on page 2).
Images of the eye are used to monitor your condition and as a reference for your doctor. Your doctor may have referred you for one test or multiple tests.
For some imaging, your pupils may need to be dilated using dilating drops before the procedure. The drops need 15 to 20 minutes to work and your eyes may remain dilated, with blurred vision, for 1 to 2 hours afterward.
Types of anterior segment imaging
- Face and eyelid photography
- Slit lamp photography
- Anterior Segment – OCT
- Corneal topography
- Specular microscopy
- Confocal microscopy
The procedure
- You will be seated at one of our imaging machines with your head in the headrest.
- You will be asked to look at a target light and the equipment will move very close to your face.
- Images will be taken of each eye. Keep your eye still, do not blink and follow the operator’s instructions. We may need to hold your eyelids open.
- After the test(s) you can leave Medical Photography area.
Do not drive after leaving the hospital if you have had dilating drops in your eyes.
Your results will be sent to your referring doctor or sent electronically to your medical file.
For further information on this procedure, please speak to the Medical Photography staff.
Private patients
This procedure incurs a fee that is not claimable from Medicare or private health insurance. It is preferred that you pay the account on the day at the cashier.
Basic anatomy of the eye
