Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a strong, non-invasive eye imaging tool. It uses light to scan the eye. Then, it creates clear, cross-sectional images of the eye.
An OCT eye scan helps eye doctors find many eye conditions early. This early detection allows reverse, stop, or slow damage.
Fast, accurate, and non-invasive. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) device is essential to diagnose and monitor eye diseases at your clinic.
What is an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Test?
An optical coherence tomography (OCT) eye scan is a simple diagnostic and eye disease monitoring technology. With it, eye doctors can quickly take high-definition cross-sectional pictures of the back of the eye.
There are three primary types of OCT technology.
- Time-Domain OCT: Largely disused, the least accurate, and most time-consuming version of OCT—scans 20,000 to 40,000 times per second and precise to around 10 to 15 microns.
- Spectral-Domain OCT: Works faster and more accurately, reaching 3-micron resolution. It also continuously scans an image in a 6mm area. Usually, it operates between 800 to 870nm wavelengths, though some machines reach 1060nm.
- Swept-Source Technology: The newest OCT option. It uses a wavelength-sweeping laser and dual-balanced photodetector. This type of machine can take between 100,000 to 400,000 A-scans per second.
People often compare it to an ultrasound. However, it uses light instead of sound.
This method creates detailed images of the retina, macula, and other essential eye parts.
It is popular with optometrists and ophthalmologists because it works in seconds. It can also handle disruptions like blinks or eye movements easily.
It is very helpful for diagnosing glaucoma. It can quickly check the front part of the eye. This area is where fluid drains to keep eye pressure normal. Eye care professionals can also use the OCT test to help diagnose retinopathy and macular conditions.
What Conditions Can the OCT Test for Eye Care Diagnose?
Doctors can use the OCT eye scan for several eye disease diagnostics.
Glaucoma Detection with OCT
Fluid build-up in the eye can cause a series of eye conditions. Thankfully, diagnosing and monitoring glaucoma progression is a breeze with an OCT eye scan.
This is because it can quickly take pictures of the front part of the eye. This area is where fluid should drain. It can also show any build-up on the retina.
The retinal imaging from your OCT can help you diagnose both types of glaucoma. This is true even in early stages when patients may not notice they have the condition.
- Open-Angle Glaucoma: Glaucoma detection with OCT can help you instantly identify if the patient has open-angle glaucoma by determining whether the drainage angle is open or not, long before the patient feel the negative effects of their eye’s difficulty in maintaining a consistent intraocular pressure.
- Closed-Angle Glaucoma: OCT scans can also help ophthalmologists determine if the drainage angle has closed. Fast diagnostics and response can help prevent the quick increase in intraocular pressure from damaging your patient’s sight. After all, leaving closed-angle glaucoma untreated can result in blindness in just a few days. Catching it as fast as possible will mean protecting as much of your patient’s eyesight as possible.
Diabetic Retinopathy OCT Diagnosis
You can also use OCT for diabetic eye care. Diabetic retinopathy can happen when blood sugar levels stay high for too long. This can harm the blood vessels in the eye.
Diabetic retinopathy OCT devices can show how serious the problem is. They can also suggest treatments to help protect your patient’s eyesight.
Macular Degeneration Diagnosis
OCT scan benefits for eye health include several macular degeneration diagnoses.
- Macular Edema: OCT scans can find fluid buildup in the macula. This often leads to blurriness or fading colors for the patient.
- Macular Pucker: This can show if there is a wrinkle on the macula. It usually causes a wavy spot in the patient’s central vision.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Easily provide an age-related macular degeneration diagnosis for those whose vision is affected by common aging symptoms.
What OCT Scans Can’t Be Used For
OCT scans are crucial for rapid patient care in eye tests. However, they are not the only tool you will need. OCT uses light, so it cannot find problems that change how light passes through the eye, like cataracts. A valuable tool for diagnosing many conditions exists.
It provides detailed images of the back of the eye, drainage angle, and optic nerve. These images are essential for accurate diagnosis.
How Does an OCT Test Work?
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) uses a laser. It captures clear images of the layers in the retina and optic nerve of the eye. That laser does not use radiation, and is 100% safe. It doesn’t cause pain, discomfort, or damage in any way.
Its images are fully color-coded, allowing ophthalmologists to scan for irregularities quickly. Some machines even provide automated reports that compare eye condition progression based on previous scans.
The procedure itself is also remarkably simple.
- Explain the procedure to the patient.
- Optional: Some machines still require eye drops to dilate the patient’s eyes.
- Turn off the main overhead lights
- Have the patient place their head on the built-in support
- Have your patient look through the lens and focus on the blinking target inside it
- Start the scan
- Get the results
No contact with the eye exists. The whole process usually takes less than 10 seconds. Many newer machines take even less time, around 5 seconds.
Many modern retinal imaging OCT machines offer automatic corrections. This means it’s not a problem if the patient blinks or moves their eye during the scan.
Top Reasons to Invest in OCT for Your Practice
There are so many reasons to invest in OCT for your practice.
- Non-invasive and 100% harmless for your patients.
- It provides speedy results, allowing for same-day diagnostics
- Helps improve diagnostics and condition monitoring
- Generates high-definition 3D images in seconds
- You can get 2-in-1 machines to save space if needed
Everyone over 25, and those with eye problems or family risks, should get eye checks every year or more often. High-definition tools like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) make check-ups faster and easier.
Why It’s Important to Have an Optical Coherence Tomography in Your Practice
Optical coherence tomography is essential for your practice. It helps you quickly and accurately find and identify many pathologies. You can identify conditions like glaucoma, AMD, and more while also making in-depth monitoring an absolute breeze.
With an OCT, you can easily find several biomarkers:
- Large drusen and pigmentary changes
- Reticular pseudodrusen (RPD)
- Hyperreflective columns
- Hyperreflective foci
- Choroidal thickness
- Inner retinal thinning
- Disorganized retinal inner layers (DRIL)
Some machines even offer additional services like automatic denoising or the ability to determine central cornea thickness or analyze the anterior segment.
OCT Equipment for Your Practice: What Optical Coherence Tomography Should You Buy in 2025?
You will want to consider many factors when choosing an optical coherence tomography device for your practice. At a minimum, you’ll want the machine to provide:
- Cross-sectional images of the retina
- Macular thickness report
- Optic nerve head report that details the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL)
In general, an OCT can cost between £5000 for a refurbished option and £70,000 for a top-of-the-line option. Small clinics can do well with medium-budget or refurbished equipment. However, specialist eye clinics and hospitals need higher-end tools.
To choose the best device within your budget, consider these criteria. They will help you find the right tool for your practice.
- Image Quality: Check the resolution and contrast. Use any extra helpful methods to diagnose conditions faster and more accurately.
- Scan Speed: Faster scan speeds help all types of patients. This includes those who struggle to keep their eye on one spot and those who blink or move.
- Software Capabilities: What the software can do will drastically change the device’s capabilities. Some provide automatic analyzing tools or 3D rendering alongside static 2D images.
- Ease of Use: Everyone in your team should be capable of using the device. An easier-to-use option may be preferable.
- Cost: Every practice will need to keep within its budgetary allowances. Thankfully, multiple devices are available to help you choose the right option.
- Additional Features: Many devices come with extra features. If these features help your diagnostics team or workflows, the higher price may be worth it for your practice.
Conclusion: The Value of Investing in OCT Technology
OCT technology quickly diagnoses many of the most common eye diseases. You can diagnose these conditions faster. You can also improve how you monitor them. This helps ensure your patient is responding to your treatment.
OCT Devices can have extra features added. They can also come in a 2-in-1 design. This helps small clinics improve their diagnostics and monitoring abilities.
These tools are available at different prices. If you have a tight budget, you might find a certified refurbished option that works for you.
If you have an old time-domain OCT or no OCT device, you need one for your business now.
