OCT – Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take detailed cross-sectional pictures of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of your eye. It helps your eye doctor see each distinct layer of the retina, revealing very early changes that might be missed during a regular eye exam.

Indications for OCT:

OCT is often used to help diagnose and manage conditions like:

• Diabetic macular edema
• Macular swelling due to blocked retinal veins
• Macular swelling from eye inflammation (uveitis)
• Central serous retinopathy
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV)
• Abnormal new blood vessels under the retina (Choroidal Neovascularization - CNV) from causes like nearsightedness, unknown reasons, or inflammatory eye diseases
• Macular holes
• Vitreomacular traction
• Glaucoma (diagnosis support and monitoring)

Benefits of OCT:

• Quick, Painless & Comfortable:Takes just minutes. No contact with your eye and no discomfort.
• Detailed Pictures: Provides incredibly clear, cross-sectional views of your retina and optic nerve, showing even subtle changes.
• Early Detection: Helps identify eye diseases like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma (by detecting structural damage) often before vision loss happens.
• Accurate Tracking: Gives precise measurements to monitor if a disease is progressing and how well treatments are working.
• SafeUses light waves (not radiation), making it safe for repeated use with no known risks from the light.
• Essential Management Tool: A vital tool for your eye doctor to effectively manage serious eye conditions and protect your vision, guiding treatment decisions.