An optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan is a non-invasive imaging method that uses light waves to capture detailed cross-sectional images of the retina and other structures within the eye.
It is commonly used in ophthalmology to assess and diagnose various eye conditions including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and many more conditions and diseases. Here’s an overview of what an OCT scan does in more detail:
Retinal imaging
OCT provides high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing eye care professionals to visualise the different layers of the retina. This is particularly valuable for assessing conditions affecting the macula, optic nerve, and other structures within the eye.
Measuring retinal thickness
The OCT scan can measure the thickness of the retinal layers with great precision and accuracy. This is important as changes in retinal thickness can often indicate certain conditions such as macular edema (swelling) or thinning of the retina. Macular edema is important to treat, as it can cause vision loss. There are treatment options available to reduce the swelling in your eye if you do have macular edema.
Glaucoma Assessment
Common eye conditions such as glaucoma can only be picked up during an eye examination, as it is often symptomless at first. This makes an OCT an important and valubale tool, as it can detect glaucoma in its early stages, allowing for a diagnosis.
An OCT scan is commonly used in a glaucoma assessment, as the 3D imaging makes viewing the optic nerve possible. Damage to the optic nerve is what causes glaucoma, so it’s important that eye care professionals get a proper look to assess any nerve damage.
Macular degeneration detection
OCT is commonly used to diagnose and monitor age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It helps visualise drusen (yellow deposits), pigment changes, and structural alterations in the macula.
AMD can blue your central vision, so it’s important that you receive treatment if you have this condition, to stop it from worsening. AMD is caused by ageing of the macular, and there are a number of risk factors including: having high blood pressure, having a family history of the condition.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that can result in blindness or vision loss from having diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy affects the blood vessels in the eye, and can be detected via an OCT scan.
This is because an OCT scan can detect swelling of the macula (diabetic macular edema) and other structural changes in the retina. It plays a crucial role in detecting and monitoring this eye disease.
Retinal vascular diseases
An OCT scan is valuable in evaluating retinal vascular diseases, including retinal vein occlusion and retinal artery occlusion. It helps visualise the impact of vascular blockages on retinal structures.
Corneal imaging
While retinal imaging is the primary application of an OCT scanning device, some OCT devices can also provide detailed images of the cornea, aiding in the assessment of corneal thickness and structural abnormalities.
OCT has revolutionised the field of ophthalmology by providing detailed, non-invasive imaging that enhances diagnostic accuracy and guides treatment decisions. It is widely used in routine eye examinations, and is quick and painless, making it well-tolerated by patients.
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