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Why You Should Ask Your Optometrist About OCT?

optical coherence tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has fundamentally transformed eye care practice. For instance, it provides clinicians with a greater ability to visualize and analyze the eye’s structures.

In fact, it is a non-invasive imaging technology. Basically, it utilizes light waves to generate high-resolution, cross-sectional retina images. Thereby, it offers a level of detail previously unattainable through traditional examination methods.

Nowadays, early detection and precise monitoring of a wide range of ocular diseases is possible with the help of OCT.

In this article, you will learn about OCT and how it works. Apart from that, you will also learn why OCT is important and how it differs from other optometric technologies. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.

What is Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)?

Optical coherence tomography is a non-invasive imaging test for optometry. Generally, this technique uses light waves. As a result, it can take cross-section pictures of the retina in the human eye.

Basically, with the OCT, an optometrist or an ophthalmologist can see the distinctive layers of the retina and the optic nerve fiber. Hence, they can map and measure the thickness of the layer and various changes in them.

In fact, such measurements help in the diagnosis process. Apart from that, it also helps in the treatment of glaucoma and other retinal diseases. For instance, some retinal diseases include AMD (age-related muscular degeneration and diabetic eye disease).

Before the OCT, the assessment of retinal health relied heavily on subjective clinical observations. Also, it consisted of mainly invasive procedures.

However, there were valuable and useful techniques available. Despite that, techniques such as ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography had limitations in detecting nuanced abnormalities. Also, they often lead to patient discomfort or potential side effects.

On the other hand, OCT provides a rapid, painless, and safe method. Here, optometrists can obtain detailed images of the retina. Additionally, it simplifies the identification of early signs of disease that optometrists can fail to notice.

Importance of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Nowadays, numerous studies confirm the diagnostic power of OCT. For instance, recent research in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics observes the impact of OCT on the diagnostic accuracy of community optometrists.

The researchers were using clinical vignettes with and without corresponding OCT data. Here, they observed a significant improvement in diagnostic performance after incorporating OCT.

The overall percentage of cases that the researchers correctly classified increased by approximately 20%. In this case, they saw particularly notable enhancements in evaluating glaucomatous optic neuropathy and retinal conditions.

Moreover, with the addition of OCT, there was a substantial reduction in false positive and false negative diagnoses. As a result, it emphasizes its value in improving diagnostic precision and reducing the potential for misdiagnosis.

What Happens During the OCT Process?

Firstly, your ophthalmologist will prepare you for an optical coherence tomography exam. Here, they generally put dilating eye drops in your eyes. Basically, these drops help to widen the pupil in the eye. Hence, it gets easier for the ophthalmologist to examine the condition of the retina.

During the OCT process, you have to sit in front of the OCT machine. Here, you will get a headrest to ensure your head does not move during the examination. 

Then, the OCT machine will scan your eye from afar. For instance, it takes 5 to 10 minutes to scan the eye. However, if you have dilated eyes, they might get sensitive to light for several hours after the OCT exam.

What are the Benefits of Using OCT?

The following are the major benefits of OCT that you need to learn about:

1. Better Measurements and Thereby Prevention

Generally, OCT has the ability to provide objective and quantifiable measurements. This helps in reshaping the management of prevalent ocular diseases.

For instance, in AMD, specific OCT signs, such as drusen regression, drusen subtypes, and developing geographic atrophy, can signal a higher risk of vision-threatening complications.

Hence, by identifying these slight changes, OCT enables prompt intervention with anti-VEGF therapy. This helps to significantly improve the chances of preserving central vision. 

Furthermore, OCT allows for precise monitoring of treatment response. Basically, it guides clinicians in optimizing treatment regimens and ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.

2. Improved Diagnosis and Management

In diabetic macular edema (DME), OCT has become an integral tool for diagnosis and management. Actually, the technology allows for accurate identification and quantification of macular edema. Thereby, it aids in assessing disease severity and guiding treatment decisions.

On the other hand, OCT enables longitudinal monitoring of retinal thickness changes. As a result, it provides practical insights into interventions’ effectiveness. Also, it facilitates timely treatment strategy adjustments.

3. Helps to Identify Glaucomatous Progression Early

OCT’s high resolution and repeatability empower clinicians also to identify early signs of glaucomatous progression. In fact, OCT can recognize it often before functional deficits manifest on visual field testing.

As per various studies, OCT has the capacity to detect structural changes years before visual field defects. Thereby, it enables timely intervention and potentially alters the disease course. Moreover, OCT progression software further enhances the technology’s utility in glaucoma management.

OCT and the Future of Optometry

While optical coherence tomography does not replace functional vision tests, it is a powerful complement to these assessments. Actually, OCT can provide detailed structural information. By doing so, it enhances the clinician’s ability to thoroughly evaluate ocular health. Hence, optometrists can make better decisions regarding patient care.  

Furthermore, OCT optometry tools and other clinical data come with Artificial Intelligence integration. Hence, it provides the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy further and streamline clinical workflows.

Do you have more information to add regarding optical coherence tomography? Please share them in the comments section below.

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Abdul Aziz Mondal
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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