Optical Coherence
Tomography
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a powerful tool for diagnosing and monitoring eye diseases and conditions. At Northwest Hills Eye Care in Austin, Texas, our eye care professionals use OCT to provide our patients with the highest level of eye care.
How does optical coherence tomography work?
OCT uses light waves to produce high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the retina, optic nerve, and other structures of the eye. During the procedure, you will sit in front of the OCT machine and rest your head on a support to keep it still. The procedure is fast and painless and typically takes only a few minutes to perform.
What can an optical coherence tomography scan detect?
An OCT scan can detect a variety of eye diseases and conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, macular edema, glaucoma, retinal detachment, occlusions or bleeding, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, and neovascularization. OCT is highly accurate and can detect changes in the eye’s structures that may not be visible during a routine eye exam.
Benefits of optical coherence tomography
OCT is an effective tool for monitoring changes in the eyes over time. It allows our eye care professionals to visualize and measure subtle changes in the retina, optic nerve, and other structures within the eye. By performing regular OCT exams, our experts can track changes in the eye and monitor the progression of various eye diseases and conditions. For example, for patients with glaucoma, we can use OCT to measure changes in the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer. These changes can indicate the progression of the disease even before vision loss occurs.
OCT can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for eye diseases and conditions. By comparing OCT images taken before and after treatment, our eye doctor can determine whether the treatment is working and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Who should get an OCT scan?
You may need an OCT scan if you have an increased risk of eye disease or are over a certain age. If you have already been diagnosed with an eye disease, an OCT scan will help our doctor monitor the progression of the disease.
Contact Northwest Hills Eye Care in Austin today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and learn more about how OCT scans can help you maintain optimal eye health. Our team of experienced eye care professionals is committed to providing our patients with the highest level of care using the latest technologies and techniques.