Computed optical tomography, or optical coherence tomography (OCT), is a non-invasive diagnostic test that allows you to obtain exceptionally precise corneal and retinal scans, is able to analyze in detail the layers of the cornea, the central region of the retina called macula and the optic nerve.
It is fundamental for the diagnosis and monitoring of numerous diseases of the cornea and retina such as senile macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. OCT is an extremely useful examination in the preoperative diagnosis and in the postoperative follow-up of most eye diseases that require surgery.
Based on white light or low coherence interferometry (a laser beam free of harmful radiation that is used to analyze ocular structures especially retinal and corneal by means of high resolution sections), this advanced method is also very useful in cases of macular edema of various origins. Being a digitized exam, it also allows you to compare the tests performed over time of the patient, providing differential maps.
OCT is able to measure the thickness of the nerve fibers that surround the optic nerve, highlighting, in some cases, an early alteration of the same in the presence of a normal visual field allowing to promptly start a therapy to slow down the pathology progression.
It is not painful and not dangerous. It is a non-invasive, non-contact, harmless exam. The execution is simple and takes about 10-15 minutes per eye. The patient is seated in front of the equipment and is invited by the operator to look fixedly at a particular object. The scan starts when the ocular structure to be analyzed is already focused.
With the advent of the latest generation of OCT instruments, the examination can also be carried out without dilating the pupil. After evaluation by the medical health operator, ocular characteristics and the type of pathology found will then be investigated.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Imaging
