What is Spectral-Domain OCT?

Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a relatively new technology that enables non-invasive, non-contact imaging of numerous ocular tissues that have previously been difficult to examine.  These tissues include anterior segment tissues (cornea, iris, and crystalline lens), posterior segment tissues (vitreous, all 10 layers of the retina and the choroid) and the optic nerve head.  OCT technology has been around for many years, but it has recently gained popularity in ophthalmology because of the more recent development of spectral-domain OCT that allows for faster and more precise imaging. 

The Topcon OCT-2000 enables precise detection of ocular abnormalities, leading to better monitoring and treatment options for patients.  David Austen Optometrists acquired this latest OCT model in March 2010.  OCT analysis of retinal tissues enables detection of previously undetectable changes within the eyes, such as swelling in the macula area and vitreoretinal traction.  The OCT-2000 has 3D imaging capability, which highlights tissue changes so that these changes can be more easily understood by patients.  The OCT-2000 monitors full ocular health, enabling small changes to be identified in routine examination. 

Glaucoma Screening

The OCT-2000 has a special optic nerve head analysis function that provides the practitioner with immediate patient results against normative data, highlighting early glaucoma.  This helps the practitioner to more accurately screen for glaucoma.  If desired, reports can be generated for patient referral to an ophthalmologist, showing areas of suspect change, and, if the patient has had several OCT scans, reports showing trend analysis can be generated.  This is of great benefit to the ophthalmologist for patient management.

Below is an example of an optic disc analysis report.       

Retinal / Macular Imaging

Previous to OCT imaging, macular changes have been documented by fundus photography and clinical drawings.  The OCT-2000 enables precision analysis of each layer of the retina so that small retinal deposits can be identified even before visual symptoms develop.  These changes can be shown by the practitioner to the patient who will then better understand the type and extent of the retinal changes that are ocurring.  This identification of retinal changes facilitates better management and treatment, especially as these changes can be communicated to the ophthalmologist through accurate reports generated by the OCT-2000.  Patients can now be given the highest level of care, care that is initiated by the optometrist, understood by the patient and accurately managed by the ophthalmologist. More commonly patient care is co-managed by the ophthalmologist and the referring optometrist, and the OCT offers one of the best co-management facilities.

Anterior Eye Imaging

Additionally the OCT-2000 is able to image the cornea, the iris, and the cornea-iris angle to determine corneal health, iris health, and the risk of angle closure glaucoma.  This facility is allows for detection of subtle corneal irregularities, corneal thinning, and accurate, non-invasive measurement of the drainage angle. The rich analysis module also enables better pre- and post-refractive surgery monitoring.  An additional analysis functions is the measurement of corneal thickness, an essential factor in intraocular pressure measurement.

OCT analysis of the macula and disc will soon be an essential part of a full eye examination. We are proud to be one of the first optometric practices to offer this important improvement in eye care. This service will be offered to all of our patients as it is our strong belief that early detection of ocular abnormalities leads to better ocular health.