OCT

OCT is an imaging technique used in eye care to produce high-resolution views of the layers of the eye. Unlike a standard photograph, an OCT scan can show cross-sectional information about the tissues being examined.

The scan can be useful in assessing and monitoring a range of eye conditions and may provide information that helps an eye-care professional decide whether further examination, monitoring or treatment is appropriate.

Depending on the clinical question, OCT can help an eye-care professional examine the retina, macula, retinal nerve fibre layer and optic nerve structures. It is used in the assessment and monitoring of conditions including glaucoma and several retinal conditions.

OCT findings are interpreted alongside the patient's symptoms, examination findings and other tests. For example, glaucoma assessment may also involve measurement of intraocular pressure, examination of the optic nerve and visual-field testing.

The scan is generally quick and painless. You are asked to look at a target while the instrument captures images of the eye. OCT is non-contact and uses light to obtain the images.

Depending on the purpose of the examination, your eye-care professional may decide that other examinations or imaging are also needed. Pupil dilation may be recommended for some eye assessments, but whether it is required depends on the clinical situation and the equipment being used.

An OCT image is not a diagnosis by itself. The findings need to be interpreted in the context of the person's history, symptoms and other examination or test results.

OCT can be particularly valuable for establishing a structural baseline and comparing images over time. Changes in the appearance or thickness of measured tissues may help the clinician decide whether further investigation or monitoring is appropriate.