![]() With OCT imaging, your optometrist can detect signs of AMD like drusen (tiny clumps of protein) caused by dry AMD and abnormal blood vessels and bleeding caused by wet AMD. OCT provides detailed images of the retina and macula, showing irregularities caused by AMD. Wet age-related macular degeneration OCT image AMD affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina. A normal, healthy macular OCT image What Diseases Can OCT Help Diagnose? Age-Related Macular DegenerationĪge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one disease OCT can help diagnose, often earlier than other methods. Using this baseline, your optometrist can detect the smallest changes to your eyes over time. ![]() By having OCT exams regularly, it creates a baseline that your optometrist can reference. A personal history of certain eye conditionsĮven if you don’t have a high risk of eye disease, OCT exams are still a great way to help protect your eye health.You probably have an increased risk if you are over age 50 or have: Your optometrist will likely recommend an OCT exam if you have an increased risk of eye disease. Diagnosing other diseases like high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, and vascular diseases.Diagnosing eye disease in children, which can otherwise be difficult.Monitoring the progression of eye disease.In addition to early disease diagnosis, OCT can also help with: Because OCT images give your optometrist such a detailed view of your retina, they can detect small indications of eye disease. In some cases, OCT can help your optometrist diagnose eye disease earlier, which allows for more effective treatment. OCT is a great tool in diagnosing eye disease. It’s no more hassle than getting a school photo done, except in the case of OCT, the photo is of your retina. The process is quick and painless, with nothing touching your actual eye. OCT testing gives your optometrist an in-depth look into your eyes without feeling in-depth. You’ll still be able to drive yourself home from the exam, but make sure you bring a pair of sunglasses to help with the light sensitivity. Most patients find dilation painless, although some light sensitivity is to be expected. If you’re undergoing dilation, your optometrist will put eye drops into your eyes that cause your pupils to expand, or dilate. Dilating your eyes is a simple procedure and gives your optometrist an even larger view of your retina. Dilationĭepending on your risk level or history of eye disease, your optometrist might recommend that your eyes are dilated during the OCT exam. Then, without touching it, the OCT machine scans your eye. You simply place your chin into a chin rest and keep your eye open as you look at a target (often a blinking dot or a small picture). What to Expect During an OCT Examįrom start to finish, an OCT exam takes about 10 minutes. So detailed, that your optometrist can evaluate your retina at a near-cellular resolution. These light waves illuminate and scan your retina, giving your optometrist a detailed view. It provides real-time images of your eye’s internal structures like an ultrasound, but OCT uses light waves instead of sound waves. Specifically, OCT takes a cross-sectional image of your retina, the light-sensitive part of your eye. ![]() That’s because OCT involves taking 3D, digital images of your eye. Optical coherence tomography, or OCT for short, is sometimes referred to as a “3D” or “digital” eye exam. You may have heard your optometrist recommend OCT imaging during your eye exam, but what is it really? OCT is a powerful tool your optometrist uses to monitor your eye health and diagnose eye disease.
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