New Eye Exam Technology Is Changing Care in Bakersfield

The eye exam experience has changed in all the right ways. At Li & Liao Optometry, we’ve embraced cutting-edge diagnostic technology to make exams faster, more comfortable, and more insightful. These innovations help us deliver care that’s clearer, smarter, and tailored to what your eyes need, from dryness relief to routine prescription checks.

Below is a look at the biggest technology trends shaping your next visit and how they’re making a real difference for patients across Bakersfield.

Wide-Field Imaging: A Broader Look at the Retina

Traditional retinal exams relied on dilation drops and bright lights to view a small section of your retina. The challenge is that some of the most serious eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy and retinal tears, often begin in the far edges of the retina, outside that limited view.

At Li & Liao Optometry, we use Optos ultra-widefield™ technology to capture up to 200 degrees of the retina in a single image. The process is quick, noninvasive, and in many cases does not require dilation.

Why this matters for you:

• We can identify concerns earlier, especially in peripheral retinal areas
• You see your own retina in real time, which makes results easier to understand
• We can track changes over time using side-by-side image comparisons

This approach reflects a growing shift in retinal exam technology, and it’s available at all three Li & Liao Optometry locations in Bakersfield.

Digital Retinal Scans: Clearer Tracking, Smarter Care

Modern eye exams are about more than what we can see in the moment. With digital retinal photography, we can document and track your eye health over time using detailed images of the retina and optic nerve.

These scans allow us to:

• Catch early signs of eye damage related to diabetes, high blood pressure, or aging
• Monitor subtle optic nerve changes that may signal glaucoma
• Coordinate care with other healthcare providers when needed

You’ll also be able to view your results during the exam. Seeing these images on screen makes it easier to understand recommendations and ask informed questions.

Dry Eye Technology That Goes Deeper

Bakersfield’s climate can be tough on the eyes. Dust, heat, wind, and long hours of screen use all contribute to dry eye symptoms like burning, irritation, or fatigue. The good news is that dry eye care has advanced well beyond surface-level relief.

At Li & Liao Optometry, we use modern diagnostic tools and treatment technologies that focus on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of dry eye.

OCULUS Keratograph® 5M: A Closer Look at Your Tear Film

The OCULUS Keratograph® 5M is a noninvasive imaging system that gives us a detailed view of your eye’s surface and tear film. With this technology, we can:

• Assess tear stability and overall tear quality
• Capture images of the meibomian glands that produce the oil layer of tears
• Identify whether gland blockage, inflammation, or other factors contribute to symptoms

It works much like a weather report for your eyes, providing clear data to guide targeted treatment decisions.

Light-Based Therapies: Treating the Source, Not Just the Symptoms

Eye drops can provide temporary relief, but they don’t always address the root cause of dry eye. That’s why we offer noninvasive light-based therapies designed to improve gland function and tear quality.

• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Uses targeted light pulses to reduce eyelid inflammation and support healthier oil gland function
• LLLT (Low-Level Light Therapy): Uses gentle red light to warm and unblock oil glands in a comfortable, relaxing session
• TearCare®: Applies controlled heat directly to the eyelids to clear gland blockages and restore natural oil flow
• RF (Radiofrequency) Therapy: Uses gentle, targeted radio wave energy to stimulate collagen and heat the eyelid area. This helps improve gland expression and reduce inflammation while also offering subtle skin-tightening benefits around the eyes

These treatments are customized to your needs, completed in-office, and designed to support longer-lasting comfort without relying solely on artificial tears.

Why Earlier Diagnosis Matters for You

What makes today’s eye care technology so valuable isn’t just sharper images or advanced equipment. It’s the ability to identify concerns earlier and tailor care more precisely.

With these tools, we can:

• Detect eye disease in its early stages, when treatment is most effective
• Personalize care using detailed diagnostic data rather than trial and error
• Help you understand your eye health through clear visual explanations

This proactive approach supports healthier outcomes and greater confidence in your care.

What to Expect at Your Next Eye Exam in Bakersfield, CA

Here’s what your visit may look like with this technology working for you:

• A one-on-one consultation and complete vision health history
• Use of tools such as wide-field imaging, digital retinal scans, or tear film diagnostics when appropriate
• Real-time review of your results with clear explanations
• Thoughtful guidance on next steps, if care is needed

We focus on clarity, both in your vision and in how we talk through your care. You’ll leave your appointment with answers that make sense and a plan you feel confident about.

See the Future of Eye Care Right Here in Bakersfield

Technology continues to change how eye care works, and Li & Liao Optometry brings those advancements directly to our community. From earlier detection to more effective dry eye solutions, our goal is to give Bakersfield patients access to modern, thoughtful care.

With convenient locations in Central, Northwest, and Southwest Bakersfield, advanced eye care is always close to home.

Ready to experience the difference? Request an eye exam or dry eye consultation and see how technology-backed care supports clearer vision and lasting comfort.