What is an OCT?

We have an exciting piece of technology in our office, it is called an Optical Coherence Tomographer (OCT).  It is a great tool for detecting and managing eye diseases, in addition to checking your overall health.

What does an OCT do?

It takes a very detailed cross-section image of the eye as well as a retinal photo.  Dr. Hines looks at these images side-by-side which allows her to pinpoint exactly where within the retina a problem may lie. This allows for a quick diagnosis of many retinal diseases. She can also detect early signs of diabetes and high blood pressure using these images.

The OCT provides an excellent image for detecting fine details that would otherwise be difficult to see by looking into the eye.  Each layer within the retina has a different shade of grey which allows us to pinpoint exactly where a problem has happened.

In addition to retinal images, our OCT can also take a cross-section image through the cornea and drainage system of the eye. If the drainage angle is narrow or blocked this can lead to an increased pressure inside the eye which can lead to glaucoma.  The cornea cross-section takes a thickness measurement of the cornea which helps in the detection of keratoconus.

The OCT can also measure how thick specific layers of the retina are which helps in the detection and monitoring of glaucoma.

How does an OCT work?

Many patients ask if an OCT works similar to an X-Ray, and you can rest assured, it does not. There is no radiation involved in an OCT, which actually works in a similar way to an ultrasound. But instead of using sound to get the image it uses light. It scans the eye and assesses the light reflecting off the different tissues within the eye to create dark and light bands which represent layers within the retina, cornea, and iris.

What will i experience as a patient getting an OCT?

We first ask you to put your chin on a rest with your forehead touching a bar, then you will see a green light to look at. While the OCT image is being taken you will see red lines come across your vision, then a bright flash (similar to a regular camera) at the end. The bright flash is for the retina photo. Dr. Hines will then review your photos with you during your exam.

With every comprehensive exam we provide these images at no extra cost to you.  It is amazing to see how far the optometry profession has come. If you haven’t had your eyes checked in a long time, you are in for a treat! The eyes are truly a window into your overall health.