OCT or Optical Coherence Tomography is an advanced eye scan that uses light to photograph the different layers that make up the structures of the eye, creating a 3D image.
The OCT allows instant and early diagnosis of many eye conditions, and is a non-invasive, simple and quick procedure. Including OCT in your regular eye examinations gives the optometrist an ongoing record of the health of your eyes, which can be used to monitor any changes.
Common eye conditions that can be identified through regular OCT scanning include:
Age-related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the UK. It causes slow deterioration of the macular.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to the optic nerve, and causes gradual loss to your peripheral vision. As early stages of glaucoma often have no symptoms, regular eye examinations are essential to diagnose glaucoma in its early stages.
Diabetes
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindess in people of working age in the UK. Regular OCT examinations help to enable early detection of diabetic retinopathy, which allows early referral and management, improving the success rate of treatment.