Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a test used to visualize the microscopic structures of the retina. OCT uses focused light rays to rapidly create detailed cross-sectional images of the retina.

Optical Coherence Tomography can help detect conditions such as:

• Macular Degeneration
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Retinal Vein Occlusions
• Macular Pucker
• Macular Hole
• Macular Edema
• Central Serous Retinopathy
• Uveitis

OCT usually takes less than a minute to perform and does not involve radiation or magnets. The doctor may apply eye drops to dilate the eye. The OCT machine will then scan the retina without touching the eye.

Since OCT relies on the transmission of light waves, certain conditions such as severe corneal disease, advanced cataracts, and vitreous hemorrhage may interfere with this test.

What Does My Doctor See?

Your doctor can evaluate the health of the retina using this technology, using the images to assess cell layers in the retina and identify areas of disease. This can lead to early detection of retinal disease and more timely intervention.