The Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is the most current and precise technology that is used for diagnostic imaging of the eye. It is similar to an MRI or ultrasound but it is even more precise, with sub-micrometer resolution. The OCT uses non-invasive lasers that are capable of producing cross-sectional and three-dimensional images of the retina. By taking thousands of scans per second, the OCT ensures high resolution and accuracy for imaging different states of disease in the retina.
Eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and glaucoma can be diagnosed and monitored through the use of the OCT. In addition, the OCT can detect eye conditions such as macular holes, epi-retinal membranes, and retinal detachments.
It is important to take the OCT if your doctor requests for it. Many eye diseases and conditions do not have any symptoms. By the time the symptoms present themselves, it may already be too late and lost vision cannot be recovered.
Figure 1. shows a cross-section of the foveal region of the retina, which is where our central vision is located. The image also shows the ten layers of the retina. Figure 2. shows a cross-section of the optic nerve head, which is where nerve impulses carrying visual information are sent to the brain. It is crucial to maintain the health of the retina and the optic nerve as they are both mandatory for sight.
Figure 1. Layers of the retina in the fovea
Figure 2. Cross section of optic nerve head
Age Related Macular Degeneration
Wet Dry
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Epiretinal Membrane
Diabetic Maculopathy
Pseudo Macular Hole
Macular Hole
