What is Optical Coherence Tomography?

A non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-section images of the retina is Optical Coherence Tomography. The ophthalmologist can see each distinctive layers of retina with the help of Optical Coherence Tomography. This helps the ophthalmologist to map and measure the thickness of retinal layers hence can diagnose and treat conditions like glaucoma and other retina related diseases. Few of the retinal diseases include age-related macular degeneration (AMD)  and diabetic eye diseases, etc.

What conditions does Optical Coherence Tomography help to diagnose?

Following are the conditions that can be detected by Optical coherence Tomography:

• Macular hole
• Macular pucker
• Macular edema
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Glaucoma
• Central serous retinopathy
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Vitreous traction

Optical Coherence Tomography also helps to diagnose optic nerve-related disorders as well. 

What happens during Optical Coherence Tomography?

• The Ophthalmologist may or may not put dilating drops before Optical Coherence Tomography. These drops help in the dilation of the pupil of the eyes hence making it easier to examine the retina.
• Then, the patient will be asked to sit in front of the Optical Coherence Tomography machine and rest the head on a support to keep it motionless. Then the equipment will start the scan without touching it.
• The scanning process takes about 10-15 minutes and if the retina was dilated then the sensitivity of light may remain for several hours after the exam.