Typical conditions requiring OCT
OCT stands for Optical Coherence Tomography and is the next generation for imaging the internal structures of the eye. This helps with early diagnosis of visual problems and possible treatment options.
- Macular degeneration (differentiating between dry AMD and wet AMD)
- Macular hole or epiretinal membrane
- Vitreous adhesions
- Glaucoma monitoring (measuring retinal nerve fibre layer thickness)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Optic nerve disease
OCT scans enable us to detect underlying eye problems much earlier than traditional methods, allowing for quicker treatment.
Optomap
In 2020 at the Radcliffe practice we invested in a brand-new, state-of-the-art laser Optos eye scanner to provide the best in eye heath care for our patients
The Optos Monaco combines both an OCT scan, and an ultra wide image of the retina known as an Optomap.
The Optomap high resolution image replaces the retinal camera and enables a much wider and highly magnified view of not only the central retina, but also the peripheral retina. Whereby traditional methods typically reveal only 15% of the retina at one time, the Optomap captures more than 80% of the retina in one panoramic image. This enables much earlier detection of many retinal abnormalities.
The Optos eye scanner can detect:
- Retinal holes
- Retinal degeneration
- Retinal tears
- All of the above can lead to sight threatening retinal detachments
- Retinal freckles/naevi and cancers (melanomas)
- Retinal blood vessel abnormalities caused by diabetes, high blood pressure or blood vessel clots.
Many eye problems can develop without you knowing – in fact, you may not even notice any change in your vision. Fortunately, many eye diseases and other health problems can now be identified years earlier with the use of this combination of laser scanning imaging. Early detection of any retinal abnormality may lead to earlier and safer treatments and in many cases prevent vision loss.
Both these scans are very quick and comfortable, with the images available immediately for your optometrist to discuss with you in detail.