What Is an OCT Scan and Why Is It Important for Eye Health?

OCT stands for optical coherence tomography, which is the medical terminology for a common scan used in virtually every ophthalmologist clinic in the US. Eye doctors use it to get a highly detailed look at the inside of the eye, allowing them to evaluate the minuscule blood vessels and structures within the retina, optic nerve, and back of the eye.

An OCT scan eye test isn’t just recommended for those with pre-existing conditions—it’s also a great tool for proactive eye care.

Simple and Effective: The Value of the OCT Scan Eye Test 

A regular eye test involves testing how well you can see. We’re all familiar with reading the letters on a Snellen chart and other active features where you state what you can actually see. You’ll also have a 2D image taken of the back of your eye, something that’s known as digital retinal photography.

But an OCT scan takes this a step further. If you imagine that your retina (the layer of light-receiving cells at the back of the eye) is like a cake, an OCT test allows the eye doctor to see all the layers within it. This detailed 3D image provides the ultimate insight into the health of this vital structure.

This is really important, because many potentially sight-threatening conditions begin with tiny changes at the back of the eye—and well before any kind of symptoms become apparent.

These include:

• Glaucoma.
• Detached retina.
• Diabetic retinopathy.
• Macular holes.
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Anyone who’s at higher risk of eye disease will be advised to have regular OCT scans. However, the value of having a baseline snapshot means your eye doctor has an in-depth view of this vital structure and can compare this to see any changes over time.

This means that you shouldn’t think that being advised to have an OCT scan necessarily means your clinician thinks you have a problem. Instead, think of it as a precaution against future issues—much as you would any other proactive health tests, such as cancer screening or dental X-rays.

How is an OCT Scan Eye Test Done?

There’s no special prep for the scan and it’s completely non-invasive. You’ll sit with your chin on a machine. The test uses infrared wavelengths of light to snap 1000s of images of the back of the eye. This results in an incredibly detailed model of all the layers—and it’s all done in mere seconds. There are no side effects or risk of complications—it really is as simple as snap-and-go—and your ophthalmologist will assess the scan immediately. 

In some cases, you might have drops to dilate the pupils before the test is taken. Again, these don’t hurt, but you will need to wear sunglasses until the effects wear off. You should also have someone else drive you, as these can cause your vision to be a bit blurry for a few hours.

OCT Eye Scan for Retinal and Glaucoma Care

As well as providing a baseline for healthy eyes, optical coherence tomography is hugely beneficial for those with a variety of conditions. 

If you’ve already been diagnosed with glaucoma, the test provides an excellent view of any disease progression. For diabetics, it’s invaluable for assessing the tiny blood vessels within the retinal and back of the eye. In AMD, it’s a crucial tool for determining the difference between wet and dry, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of treatment and ongoing changes.

At the West Boca Eye Center, we utilize OCT scan eye tests for many scenarios. While they’re not essential for younger, healthy eyes, we champion a proactive approach to ensure our patients benefit from the very best care. This includes ongoing monitoring of the intricate internal eye structures so we can catch potential issues at the earliest stage.

We also use it in combination with diabetic eye care and as a way to assess the effectiveness of treatment for AMD and advanced glaucoma treatments.

Discover more about this at https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/services/glaucoma-dropless-therapy and call us today to book a consultation.

OCT stands for optical coherence tomography, which is the medical terminology for a common scan used in virtually every ophthalmologist clinic in the US. Eye doctors use it to get a highly detailed look at the inside of the eye, allowing them to evaluate the m

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