Optical coherence tomography, as the name suggests, is a technique that is used to obtain the cross-sectional images of the eye based on the principle of reflection. Until a few years back, ultrasonography was the only available test to visualize the inner structures of the eye. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was introduced 25 years ago as an alternative diagnostic tool that enables detailed visualization of the retina.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a diagnostic tool that produces high-resolution images of the eye. It provides images of different layers of the retina, which is the innermost light-sensitive covering of the eye. The color-coded images of the retinal layers help in qualitative and quantitative analysis, which in turn helps in establishing the diagnosis of various conditions affecting the posterior segment of the eyeball.
Imagine your eye is a cake, and all we can see is its surface. When we cut a slice with a knife, we can see multiple layers of the cake. OCT is a non-invasive tool that takes multiple slice scans of the eye enabling visualization of all layers of the retina. Here in this article, we will discuss the details of optical coherence tomography, its indication, benefits, and limitations associated with it.
OCT has brought a remarkable change in ophthalmic practice as a modern OCT machine helps obtain high-resolution two-dimensional and even three-dimensional scans. It is extremely useful in detecting early pathological changes in the retina by analyzing the minute differences in the anatomical cross-sections of the eyes.
OCT is a highly recommended test for high-risk patients with glaucoma, diabetes, or other chronic eye conditions. Many eye conditions can be diagnosed by optical coherence tomography including:
Like any other ophthalmic investigating tool, OCT is a machine with built-in software that converts eye images into virtual data. Usually, dilating eye drops are applied on both eyes prior to the procedure to enable better visualization.
While there are no comparable alternatives to provide cross-sectional images of the eyes, there are other tests as well that can diagnose the conditions detected by OCT. OCT is superior to other tests due to its ability to detect subtle changes. Some advantages of optical coherence tomography over other diagnostic tests are:
There has been rapid development in many features of OCT since it was initially developed. Nevertheless, due to the principle by which it works, any hindrance between the device and the retina by cataracts, corneal opacities, corneal edema, and vitreous hemorrhage can hinder image quality.
Optical coherence tomography or OCT is a diagnostic tool that provides cross-sectional images of the eye. It gives real-time images of the retina including details on the thickness and other pathologies. OCT scans can also help identify early signs of eye conditions associated with the posterior segment of the eyeball such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. OCT is a convenient test for both examiner and patient to undergo. Currently, there are no other available non-invasive alternative tools with similar functions and quality of results as OCT.
