Optical Coherence
Tomography 

At Southern Eye Centers, our eye care team utilizes advanced technology to provide accurate diagnoses for eye conditions and diseases. One such technology we use is optical coherence tomography (OCT), which is critical in detecting several serious eye diseases and conditions in their early stages.

What is optical coherence tomography?

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses light waves to capture detailed images of the retina and other structures in the eye.

During an OCT scan, a low-power laser beam is directed at the retina, and the light that reflects back is measured and analyzed. The OCT machine then creates a detailed, 3D, color-coded, and cross-sectional image of the retina, macula, and optic nerve.

The OCT scan works by using interferometry, a process that measures the time it takes for light waves to travel back and forth between the tissue being examined and the OCT machine. The interferometer measures the delay of the reflected light, which allows the machine to construct a detailed image of the eye’s structures.

OCT technology is incredibly precise and can detect changes in the eye’s structures as small as one-thousandth of a millimeter. It is also non-invasive, painless, and does not require any contact with the eye, making it a safe and comfortable way to diagnose eye diseases and conditions. During the test, you will sit in front of the OCT machine, and nothing will touch your eye. The process is entirely painless and takes only 5-10 minutes to complete.

What are the benefits of optical coherence tomography?

OCT scans are useful in diagnosing, managing, and treating various eye diseases and conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, macular edema, drusen, retinal detachment, occlusions, bleeding, macular hole, and neovascularization. If you are at risk of developing an eye disease or have a history of eye problems, your eye doctor may recommend an OCT scan as part of your comprehensive eye exam. For patients already diagnosed with an eye disease, OCT scans provide valuable information to monitor the effectiveness of their treatment.

At Southern Eye Centers, we prioritize the early detection and treatment of eye diseases and conditions to help our patients maintain healthy vision. With OCT technology, we can provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans to safeguard your eye health.