OCT EYE SCAN
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) represents one of the most significant advances in eye care technology, allowing us to see beneath the surface of your retina – the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye that sends visual signals to your brain – with unprecedented detail. This revolutionary imaging technique reveals important information about your eye health that would otherwise remain hidden, helping us detect problems early and guide effective treatment.
What is OCT?
OCT uses light waves to create detailed, cross-sectional images of your retina, similar to how an ultrasound produces images of a developing baby. These high-resolution scans reveal the individual layers of the retina, enabling us to detect even the smallest changes that may signal the early stages of serious eye conditions.
What an OCT scan feels like
An OCT scan is a quick, painless and completely non-invasive process. During the scan, you’ll simply look into the machine while it captures detailed images of the back of your eye. There’s no need for eye drops or any physical contact, making the procedure comfortable for patients of all ages. The whole process takes just a few minutes – typically just 5-10 minutes from start to finish.
Why OCT is essential for early detection
OCT can help detect eye conditions at their earliest stages, often before any symptoms appear. Some conditions it can detect include:
Glaucoma
OCT can detect nerve fibre loss years before traditional tests, enabling earlier intervention to preserve your sight.
Macular Degeneration
The scan can reveal early changes in the macula – the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision – enabling prompt treatment to slow progression.
Diabetic Eye Disease
OCT can identify fluid buildup and changes in retinal blood vessels caused by diabetic retinopathy, helping prevent vision loss.
Other Conditions
OCT also helps diagnose retinal detachment, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, and other conditions affecting the back of the eye.
Protecting your vision with advanced screening
By incorporating OCT scanning into your regular eye examinations, we can monitor your eye health with exceptional precision, ensuring any changes are detected and addressed as early as possible for the best possible outcomes.
