BUCKINGHAM & HICKSON
Optometrists (Ophthalmic Opticians)
0191 548 5015
OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY (O.C.T.)
Optical Coherence Tomography (O.C.T.) will measure the eye, particularly the layers of the retina.
Three-dimensional O.C.T. images allow optometrists to see problems within the eye that could not easily be identified before.
This procedure was mainly used in research, but recent advances have brought it to the forefront of eye-care.
Our new O.C.T. system means that the latest advanced technology is available to protect your eyesight now and in the future
The test is very simple, takes just a few seconds and is completely non-contact; there are no sudden puffs of air or light flashes. Any areas that may be unusual can then be measured; later repeat scans can be lined up with the original so that changes are measured.
What are the advantages of O.C.T.?
The retina can be damaged by glaucoma, diabetes, and age-related macular degeneration. This can lead to visual impairment or even blindness.
O.C.T. can pick up any problems at a much earlier stage, usually allowing you better treatment options and a better visual result.
OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY
The O.C.T.
RETINA
Single 3D Retina examination is enough to perform both Retina and Glaucoma analysis based on retinal scans. Software automatically recognize 8 retina layers. Thus allowing a more precise diagnosis and mapping any changes in the patient’s retina condition. This is especially useful in assisting with the early diagnosis of Age Related macula Degeneration.
GLAUCOMA
Comprehensive glaucoma analysis tools for quantification of Optic Nerve Head, Retina Nerve Fiber Layer, DDLS, Ganglion layer and Asymmetry. The OCT integrates with our Visual Field Screener ('structure' and 'function') making assessments more accurate.
ANTERIOR EYE
Thickness of the Cornea and the angle of the Anterior Chamber can be measured
FOLLOW UP
High density of standard 3D scan allows to precisely track any changes the might take place over time.
There is an additional charge for these services, please enquire at the time of booking your appointment.
TOP FAQS ABOUT OCULAR COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY (O.C.T.)
WHAT DOES THE OCT DETECT?
The OCT can detect early signs of the major eye diseases: Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, Age related Macular Degeneration and other retinal pathologies. One of the unique benefits of the OCT is that it provides an objective analysis of your retina (back-of-the-eye) in one scan.
WHAT DO I GET OUT OF THIS EXAMINATION?
When you take the OCT examination for the first time you get an analysis of the back of your eye (the retinal layers) where many eye diseases start. Your results are automatically compared to a normative database and if there are any suspicious findings you will be referred to an eye specialist for further investigation. When you return for your periodical follow-up examination, your results are also compared to your first (baseline) results to see if there have been any changes since your last check up. Because these diseases are symptomless in their early stages, when you have an OCT examination you can be sure that there are no eye diseases “sneaking up” on you.
I AM YOUNG AND HEALTHY. DO I NEED TO TAKE THE EXAM?
Yes. General health does not necessarily prevent retinal diseases and not all retinal diseases are associated with old age. The problem is that these diseases “sneak up on you”. There is no pain, there are hardly any symptoms, and waiting until there is vision loss may be too late. The point is to detect it as early as possible so you can start treatment and prevent vision loss.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE EXAM DETECTS A PROBLEM?
If the OCT finds an abnormal parameter – we will refer you to an eye specialist with the OCT scan results which will tell him/her what to look for and where. But even if the exam does not find anything, and hopefully that will be the case, we will still have a baseline examination, which we can use for a yearly follow up on the health of your eyes.
HOW LONG DOES THE EXAM TAKE?
The exam itself takes only a matter of seconds per eye. It is quick, painless and non-invasive.
HOW IS THE OCT DIFFERENT FROM A REGULAR EYE EXAM?
A standard eye examination can only look at the front part of your eye (your cornea and lens) and only the retinal surface. The OCT scans all the layers of the retina, the surface and beneath the surface. It is very important to get a periodical objective and quantitative assessment of all the layers of the retina. In addition the OCT can also assess the anterior chamber, the front part of the eye which further enhances any previous corneal and lens examinations.
WILL MY PUPILS NEED TO BE DILATED?
In most cases the OCT does not require pupil dilation.
IF I HAVE CONTACT LENSES ON, CAN I STILL DO THE TEST?
Yes, generally there should be no problem doing the exam with contact lenses.
IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE USED TO INTERPRATE THE SCANS?
Sometimes we use Altris AI for a 'second opinion'.
There is an additional charge for these services, please enquire at the time of booking your appointment.
