Optical coherence tomography, or OCT is a non-invasive 2D/3D imaging technique used to document the layers of the retina; the neurosensory tissue of the eye that transmits the optical images we see into the electrical images our brain understands.
OCT imaging utilizes light waves to produce microscopic, cross-sectional scans of the retinal layers and the optic nerve.
Early stages of retinal disease may have no symptoms at all and minuscule changes in the retina may be difficult to detect with an eye examination by a general optometrist or ophthalmologist.
An eye examination at Retina Associates of Greater Philadelphia, including imaging on our new, state of the art, high definition OCT scanner may provide information on retinal disorders even in the earliest stages. The earlier a retinal disorder is discovered, the better the chance of vision preservation. While the images captured are always examined on an individual patient basis by our ophthalmologists, the images are also compared to a normative database with breakthrough topographic mapping capabilities.
The physicians at Retina Associates of Greater Philadelphia are pleased to offer our patients the best care while utilizing the most advanced OCT imaging system in the field of ophthalmology. Our OCT imaging system employs an amazing eye tracking feature. The eye tracking feature has retinal recognition technology. The system can identify each patient’s retina with incredible accuracy to guarantee all comparison measurements are obtained within one micron with optimized clarity in every scan. This clarity safeguards that no subtle changes are overlooked as well as ensures treatment options for each patient are planned with precision.
Some of the possible retinal disorders the retinal specialists may be able to better diagnose and treat utilizing the OCT are:
- Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)
- Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)
- Central serous retinopathy (CSR)
- Choroidal nevus
- Chorioretinitis
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration (AMD)
- Macular pucker
- Macular telangiectasia
- Plaquenil toxicity
- Retinal artery occlusions
- Retinal detachment
What can I expect during an OCT test?
An OCT test is done in the office. After the eyes are dilated, the patient will be positioned in front of the camera with their chin resting in the chin rest. The patient will be asked to follow a fixation light either inside or outside of the scanner. The scan utilizes a safe, infrared light and most often blinking is allowed. The machine does not touch the eye and the test is completed in minutes.
