Optical Coherence Tomography
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging method that uses reflected light to create pictures of the back of your eye. It can be used to diagnose and manage diseases like diabetes-related retinopathy and glaucoma.
Optical Coherence Tomography Explained
Optical coherence tomography, or OCT, is an imaging method used to generate a picture of the back of your eye, called your retina. The noninvasive method produces an image by measuring the amount of dim red light that reflects off of your retina and optic nerve. Optical coherence tomography can measure the thickness of your retina and optic nerve.
When Is Optical Coherence Tomography Performed?
Our optometrists will perform optical coherence tomography in cases where your present with certain conditions at your eye exam or if you already have a condition that they’re helping you manage. Healthcare providers use OCT to diagnose and manage several conditions that affect the eyes, including:
Glaucoma
Age-related macular degeneration
Diabetes-related retinopathy
Cystoid macular edema
Macular pucker
Macular hole
Cone and cone-rod dystrophies
Tumours in your choroid and retina
Monitoring “freckles” (Naevi)
What should I expect if I’m having an optical coherence tomography exam?
From start to finish, an OCT exam takes about 10 minutes. It is a painless non-invasive procedure and will not damage your eyes. You’ll sit down and rest your chin on a support attached to the machine. The OCT equipment will scan one eye at a time. You’ll focus your eyes on a green target within the machine. You may see a red line while you’re having the scan. Nothing touches your eye.
Depending on your risk level or history of eye disease, our optometrists might recommend that your eyes are dilated during the OCT exam. Dilating your eyes is a simple procedure and gives the optometrist an even larger view of your retina.
If you’re undergoing dilation, our optometrist will put eye drops into your eyes that will cause your pupils to expand, or dilate. Most patients find dilation painless, although some light sensitivity is to be expected. We do not recommend that you drive yourself home from the exam and make sure you bring a pair of sunglasses to help with the light sensitivity.
How often should you have an OCT scan?
Our optometrists will recommend an appropriate review schedule depending on the nature of the condition that is being monitored.