Up to 80% of vision impairment and blindness can be prevented by early detection.*
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging scan that uses light waves to take a 3D picture of the back of an eye. It is like a highly sophisticated ultrasound of the eye. These detailed scans allow our optometrists to assess the structure of your retina, optic nerve and macular. This allows them to detect physical changes indicative of glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
The OCT scan is so detailed that it has even been likened to an MRI of the eye.
How does this exam work?
The Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is one of the few devices that reveals in-depth images of the eye’s internal structures. The exam only takes a few seconds. Nothing touches your eyes as you look into the machine and there are no puffs of air or flashes of bright light, but we may need to use eye drops to make your pupils larger. Our optometrists will discuss the results with you and keep your details on file to refer back to at your next eye examination and to monitor for any changes.
What’s the purpose of the exam?
An OCT exam can aid in the detection and monitoring of serious eye diseases. As we grow older, our retinas may change in ways not always visible on the surface and often without physical symptoms. Because the very early signs of some diseases may show up in this exam, it’s important to book an appointment if you’re worried about any of the symptoms listed below.
- Trouble reading or concentrating on any activity that requires fine vision
- Straight lines appear wavy or bent
- Faces are hard to see
- You see dark or empty patches in the centre of your vision.
*Source : www.australia.gov.au/eyehealth