What is Optical Coherence Tomography?
OCT scans focus on acquiring an enhanced view of the thickness of the macula using specialized light that enters the eye through the pupil and lens and reflects off the retina back to the camera. OCT technology has expanded quickly from the early 2000s and serves as a wonderful and fast tool to examine the macula in ways that were previously impossible to do, meanwhile having zero side effects or risk.
What is Optical Coherence Tomography?
The macula is the central area of the retina which holds the highest concentration of photoreceptor cells that aid in providing us with the majority for central vision and color detail. For these reasons, the macula serves as the most important area of the retina responsible for high vision. The images from OCT scans allow the doctor to determine and document the presence of a variety of disorders that specifically affect the macula. Some of these include macular edema, macular atrophy, choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV), epiretinal membrane (ERM) or macular pucker, macular hole, and vitreomacular traction (VMT). The OCT scan is repeated on follow up visits in order to view the patient’s response to treatments or to document the progression of these conditions. This can help the doctor determine the frequency of treatments or if surgical intervention is required. OCT scans are helpful in discovering the smallest abnormalities in the macula that may not be detected during examination. Subtle pockets of subretinal fluid or intraretinal fluid can be properly diagnosed in seconds with the use of the OCT. As a note, OCT technology is also utilized to assess disorders of the optic nerve such as glaucoma.
What to expect when undergoing OCT?
OCT is a noninvasive and quick diagnostic tool that takes several seconds conducted by one of our experienced technicians. During the test, patients will be sitting comfortably in front of the machine with their chin rested on the chinrest. Once the pictures are taken, they will be uploaded to the patient’s chart where the doctor can review them with patients in the private exam room.