OCT - an innovative eye test. When to perform it, what does it detect?

The organ of sight is one of the most abused in our body. Exposed daily to unfavorable external factors, such as computer work, air conditioning, UV radiation, it will eventually respond with pain and discomfort. Forgetting about daily eye prevention can result in serious problems, in which case an OCT examination is irreplaceable, which can protect against serious eye diseases.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a highly specialized and one of the most innovative methods for imaging ocular structures. We asked the following about it dr. n. med. Monika Polak from our Ophthalmology Clinic.  

When should a patient go in for an OCT examination?

- A patient who sees a crooked image, broken text, a dark spot in the center of vision, or suffers from diabetes or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). should come in for an OCT examination, as it is a quick, safe and highly accurate diagnostic method that will allow appropriate treatment to be implemented immediately.

Not only is this examination non-invasive and non-contact, but with modern instruments it often does not require pupil dilation. OCT uses a coherent beam of infrared light, showing an image with a precision close to histological sectioning. Thanks to the above, this examination is readily used in the diagnosis of eye diseases, both in the anterior and posterior sections of the eye.

Diabetes

The main indication for OCT examination is lesions on the fundus of the eye. OCT is most often performed for diseases of civilization, such as diabetes, among others. One of the changes on the fundus associated with diabetic retinopathy can be diabetic macular edema, which requires prompt treatment and laser therapy.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

AMD happens to be the most commonly treated eye disease in the world today. In its early stages, it causes a crooked image or dark spot in the center of vision, a forming macular hole or vitreoretinal pulling. OCT examination can visualize the initial changes of dry or exudative age-related macular degeneration.

Glaucoma

The use of OCT also requires the diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma treatment. In the case of glaucoma with a closing angle - thanks to the built-in module for evaluating the anterior segment of the eyeball - it is possible to assess the width of the glaucoma angle. With a narrow angle, by referring the patient for laser treatment, it is possible to prevent an acute glaucoma attack. Control of the effectiveness of treatment in all types of glaucoma depends not only on the results of the visual field and measurements of intraocular pressure, but also on the study of the thickness of nerve fibers on the optic nerve disc RNLF (OCT of the n. II disc).

Other

Often, during a routine fundus examination, choroidal nevi, congenital hyperplasia of the pigment epithelium and retinal scarring from toxoplasmosis (the camera makes it possible to show this by taking additional color fundus photos), as well as to visualize the location of the lesion in relation to the macula, blood vessels and the n. II disc. Performing the examination at regular intervals, makes it easier to monitor their possible progression. 

Does the OCT scanner emit harmful radiation?

- The OCT apparatus is completely safe. It does not emit harmful radiation, so it can be used to perform examinations in people of all ages, in pregnant women, and there are no obstacles to this type of diagnostics being repeated many times. The examination requires no special preparation, takes only a few minutes and is not burdensome for the patient.

It is now one of the most modern, fast, safe and highly accurate diagnostic methods, which makes it possible to accurately detect threats to the organ of vision and implement appropriate treatment.

OCT examination is performed in Lublin at the facility at 4D Concert Street. A referral is not required.