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An optical coherence tomography uses reflected light to create images of the back of an eye. Ophthalmologists can diagnose or manage glaucoma and diabetes-related retinopathy with it.
FREMONT, CA: OCT, or optical coherence tomography, is an imaging technique used to create an image of the retina and the back of the eye. The noninvasive method generates an image by measuring the amount of dim red light reflected from the retina and optic nerve. Optical coherence tomography can measure the retina and optic nerve thickness.
For cardiac catheterization, heart and vascular medicine providers use optical coherence tomography to produce images of blood vessels. Dentists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, dermatologists, and oncologists use OCT imaging more frequently.
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Traditional angiography, also known as arteriography, uses X-rays to examine the interior of blood vessels. A healthcare provider will typically inject a radiopaque dye visible on X-rays. Eye care professionals also use a specialized form of angiography to examine the retina's blood vessels. The used dye emits a blue glow when exposed to blue light.
Optical coherence tomography angiography allows eye care professionals to see inside the eye's blood vessels. Contrary to conventional angiography, the test is noninvasive, requiring no dye.
When does optical coherence tomography occur?
An ophthalmologist recommends optical coherence tomography if they suspect a patient has certain conditions during their eye exam or if they already have a condition they are helping to manage.
Healthcare professionals use OCT to diagnose and manage a variety of eye conditions, including:
Glaucoma: Glaucoma occurs when fluid and pressure accumulate in the eye and damage the optic nerve.
Age-related macular degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration may result in the loss of central vision. Fortunately, treatments are available for some forms of this age-related, progressive disease.
Diabetes-related retinopathy: Diabetes damages the small blood vessels of the eye, leading to vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy. Fluid can leak from the eye, resulting in impaired vision. In severe cases, the retina may detach completely from the back of the eye, and glaucoma may develop. Diabetes-related retinopathy can result in total blindness, but it can be managed with proper treatment.
Cystoid macular edema: Macular edema is the fluid-filled swelling of the macula. The macula of a retina contains the most light-sensitive cells.
Macular pucker: Scar tissue can grow over the surface of a retina, causing vision distortion known as macular pucker. Surgery can sometimes be of assistance.
Macular hole: A macular hole occurs when the retina separates, creating a hole in the macula. This can impair vision, but surgery can correct it.
Cone and cone-rod dystrophies: Cone and cone-rod dystrophies are conditions that affect the light- and color-sensitive cells of the eye. When the condition worsens, vision loss is possible.
Tumors in the choroid and retina: These cancers affect the choroid, a vascular layer located between the retina and the sclera, and the retina.
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