Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is diagnostic procedure that allows for measurement of the thickness of the retina and visualization of the different retinal layers. The retina is located at the back of your eye. OCT takes cross-sectional pictures of the retina. It is a fast non-contact and non-invasive way to see if there are changes in the back of the eye. OCT can assist with the detection of certain eye conditions and diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, macular puckers, macular edema, and macular holes.

OCT uses technology that is similar to CT scans of internal organs, using a scattering of light to rapidly scan the eye to create an accurate cross-section.  Unlike other imaging techniques, OCT uses light to produce high resolution images, rather than sound or radiofrequency waves.  Your doctor can evaluate and measure each layer of the retina through this image and compare it with normal, healthy images of the retina.