What is OCT Scanning? (Optical Coherence Tomography)

A basic guide to OCT scanning. Author: Matheson Optometrists "In our practices we use OCT scanning technology to obtain more detailed information of the ocular structures than has been possible by previous means. The OCT can visualise the deeper layers of the retina, where many disease processes begin, often detecting conditions before a patients vision has been adversely affected. If treatment is started at this stage then visual loss can often minimised. This is especially true in conditions such as Vitreo-Macular Traction (VMT) and Wet Macular Degeneration (AMD). We have another YouTube video showing the injection technique used to treat wet macular degeneration. In addition to being able to visualise the deeper layers of the retina where many types of macular degeneration occur, we can now see the transparent structures of the eye which were previously invisible to conventional imaging, such as the Vitreous Humour (Jelly) that lies anterior to the retina and the transparent nerve fibres that lie on its surface and take the visual signal to the brain for processing. By this means it is often possible to intervene before blinding conditions such as Macular Hole formation occur and diagnose conditions such as Glaucoma much sooner. The same technology is used to monitor many conditions so that we can ensure that treatment remains at optimal levels. The new Ganglion Cell Analysis and Nerve fibre Analysis modules are extremely powerful in this respect. The Anterior segment OCT imaging gives us detailed information about the cornea, the iris and the anterior drainage angle. This can help to detect the early signs of imminent Angle Closure Glaucoma and corneal deisease. All this information is gathered painlessly often without the need to dilate the pupil. We believe that all the Over-60s should have regular OCT screening for Macular Degeneration every 2 years." Further information can be found on the Matheson Optometrists website, http://www.matheson-optometrists.com