See the structure
Images reveal the layers, shape and dimensions of the eye.
Advanced eye diagnostics & imaging
Accurate investigations are central to managing eye disease. They help detect changes, establish a baseline, plan treatment and measure the response over time—alongside a complete clinical examination.
Book an eye assessmentTechnology that supports better-informed decisions
At Sayyad Eye Center, our advanced diagnostic equipment examines the eye from the cornea to the retina and optic nerve. Detailed imaging, visual-function tests and biometric measurements contribute different pieces of information to diagnosis and management.
Investigations help identify disease, assess its severity, select a suitable treatment and monitor progression or recovery. Not every patient needs every test. Results are interpreted together with symptoms, examination findings and previous records.
Measure function
Visual-field testing measures sensitivity across the field of vision.
Plan & monitor
Measurements support surgical planning and comparison over time.
How investigations guide care
GlaucomaOCT + Humphrey visual fieldsCompare optic-nerve structure with visual function and monitor change.
Keratoconus / refractive assessmentPentacam AXL + MS-39Assess corneal shape, thickness and irregularity to guide suitability and planning.
Cataract & lens selectionIOLMaster 700 + corneal assessmentCalculate lens power and assess corneal factors relevant to lens choice.
Retinal diseaseOCT / Solix; B-scan when the view is obscuredAssess retinal detail or the posterior eye when direct viewing is limited.
Examples of how tests complement one another, not a fixed test package. The examination determines which investigations are useful.
Investigations available at the center
Our equipment includes B-scan ultrasound, Humphrey visual-field testing, OCT with the Optovue Solix platform, CSO MS-39, ZEISS IOLMaster 700, OCULUS Pentacam AXL, and Topcon slit-lamp examination with slit-lamp photography.
The table explains the role of each investigation. Some examine tissue structure, others test function or measure the eye for surgery; they are complementary rather than interchangeable.
What each investigation adds
| Investigation / equipment | What it examines | How it supports care |
|---|---|---|
| OCT — Optovue Solix | Light-based cross-sectional imaging of the retina, including the macula, and optic-nerve-related layers. | Helps assess retinal swelling and structural changes, and supports glaucoma evaluation and follow-up. Scans are interpreted with image quality and clinical findings in mind. |
| CSO MS-39 | Combines anterior-segment OCT with Placido-based corneal topography to assess corneal structure, thickness, curvature and surfaces. | Supports assessment of irregular corneas and keratoconus, and planning or follow-up of corneal and refractive procedures. |
| OCULUS Pentacam AXL | Combines Scheimpflug tomography of the front and back corneal surfaces, corneal thickness and anterior-segment geometry with optical axial-length measurement. | Supports keratoconus assessment, refractive-surgery planning and cataract biometry, including intraocular-lens calculations. |
| ZEISS IOLMaster 700 | Swept-source optical biometry measures eye dimensions, including axial length, together with corneal measurements. | Provides measurements used to calculate intraocular-lens power before cataract or lens surgery. Prior refractive surgery and surface irregularity need particular attention. |
| Humphrey visual-field test | Measures the ability to detect light stimuli in different parts of the visual field, usually one eye at a time. | Important in glaucoma and selected optic-nerve or neurological assessments. Repeat testing helps confirm findings and track change. |
| B-scan ultrasound | Uses sound waves to produce cross-sectional views of the back of the eye. | Especially useful when dense cataract or vitreous bleeding limits the view; helps assess the retina and vitreous. It does not replace OCT for fine retinal-layer detail. |
| Topcon slit-lamp examination & photography | A magnified, illuminated examination of the lids, tear film, cornea, anterior chamber, iris and lens, with photographs to document visible findings. | Assesses surface disease, inflammation and cataract, and records changes for comparison and explanation. Additional examination lenses allow assessment of deeper structures. |
What the visit involves
Most optical scans are non-contact: the chin and forehead rest against supports while you look at a target. B-scan commonly uses a small probe with gel over the closed eyelid. None of the listed tests uses ionising radiation.
During a visual-field test, keep looking at the central target and press the response button when a light is seen. Some lights are deliberately faint; missing some is expected. Normal blinking is allowed, and a pause can be requested if needed.
Preparing for reliable measurements
Bring previous scans, prescriptions and eye reports, especially before a follow-up or surgery-planning visit. Tell the team about previous laser vision correction and current contact-lens use.
Contact lenses can temporarily alter corneal shape, so a lens-free period may be needed before corneal mapping or surgical measurements. The required interval depends on lens type and measurement stability. A dry or irregular tear film can also make repeat measurements necessary.
Understanding the results
A coloured map or a single value is not a diagnosis. Alignment, movement, tear-film quality, cataract and normal anatomical variation can influence a result. Comparing suitable, good-quality scans over time is often more informative than an isolated test.
These investigations guide decisions; they do not guarantee a particular surgical outcome or replace examination. When a clinical question needs additional testing, the assessment can be extended accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Will I need all of these investigations?
No. Testing is selected for the symptoms, suspected condition and treatment being considered. A comprehensive equipment list is not a requirement for every visit.
Is OCT the same as a photograph?
No. OCT shows cross-sectional tissue layers. A photograph records the visible appearance. They answer different questions.
Is Solix a different test from OCT?
Solix is the name of an OCT platform. OCT describes the imaging technology; the selected scan depends on the part of the eye being assessed.
How do MS-39 and Pentacam AXL differ?
MS-39 combines anterior-segment OCT and Placido topography. Pentacam AXL uses Scheimpflug tomography and also measures axial length. They provide complementary information using different methods.
What does Pentacam AXL measure?
It maps corneal shape and thickness and measures axial length, supporting corneal assessment, biometry and lens calculations.
Why use both OCT and a visual-field test for glaucoma?
OCT assesses structure, while the field test assesses function. Change in one may not appear at the same time in the other.
Does IOLMaster 700 choose the lens by itself?
No. Its measurements support lens-power calculations. Lens type and target focus also depend on retinal and corneal health, previous surgery and visual needs.
Will dilation be needed, and can I drive afterwards?
Some scans can be obtained without dilation, but the examination or image quality may require drops. If dilated, do not drive until vision and glare sensitivity have returned to a safe level; arrange alternative transport.
Why might an investigation be repeated?
A repeat can improve image reliability, establish a baseline or show whether the condition is changing. Corneal measurements may also be repeated after surface treatment or a lens-free interval.
Connect the findings to a clear plan
Bring previous reports and scans so new findings can be compared with your baseline. The most useful investigation is the one that answers the clinical question.
Further reading
- Visionix — Optovue Solix OCT
- CSO — MS-39 anterior-segment analysis
- ZEISS — IOLMaster 700
- OCULUS — Pentacam AXL core functions
- ZEISS — Humphrey perimetry
- Topcon Healthcare — Slit lamps
- Moorfields — Eye ultrasound
- Royal College of Ophthalmologists — Ophthalmic imaging
Content prepared: 9 October 2026