RA (Ocular Response Analyzer)

The high-tech Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) is the newest advanced diagnostic technology offered by the Christenbury Eye Center to help pre-screen patients and make sure they receive the best results possible from LASIK Surgery.

The CEC is the only vision care center in the Southeast with the ORA, a next-generation technique for analyzing the cornea, the clear outer cover of the eye that is folded back temporarily when you undergo LASIK. For the best LASIK results, the cornea must be the appropriate thickness, rigidity and strength.

Until now the most sophisticated diagnostic tools evaluated the cornea like a topographic map, noting the unique surface ridges and abnormalities. The ORA takes it one step further by looking at the “biomechanical properties” of the cornea.

The ORA measures corneal tissue by blowing a rapid puff of air on the surface of the eye. As the cornea reacts to the air pressure by becoming slightly concave, an electro-optical system measures the change. Then as the air pressure on the cornea decreases, another measurement is taken. The average of the two pressures provides an accurate reading of both intraocular pressure and the relative strength or weakness of the cornea – important considerations that can influence the outcome of LASIK Surgery.

“The ORA is a valuable screening method for helping us understand who is going to achieve the best LASIK results,” says Dr. Christenbury. “Now we can identify who might be at greater risk for certain eye complications, such as keratoconus or corneal ectasia, where internal pressure causes a bulging of the cornea and blurring of vision.”