OCT Scan (Optical Coherence Tomography)

A quick, painless, non-contact scan that shows cross-section images of the retina and optic nerve, used in glaucoma and diabetic eye care.

Optical coherence tomography, or OCT, uses light waves to create detailed cross-section images of the back of the eye. It lets your doctor look at layers of the retina that cannot be measured by an ordinary examination.

What it helps with

In glaucoma, OCT measures the retinal nerve fibre layer, which can thin before vision is affected. In diabetic eye disease, a macula OCT shows swelling in the central retina and helps guide treatment such as intravitreal injections. It also helps in assessing other macular conditions.

Tracking change over time

Because the measurements can be compared between visits, OCT is useful for judging whether a condition is stable or whether a treatment is working.

Who is this for?

An OCT scan may be advised if you:

• Have glaucoma, or are being assessed for it.
• Have diabetes with suspected or known changes at the macula.
• Are receiving intravitreal injections.
• Have unexplained blurred or distorted central vision.

What the procedure involves

1. Dilating drops may be used, depending on the scan needed.
2. You rest your chin on the machine and look at a fixed target.
3. The scan is taken in moments, and nothing touches your eye.
4. The doctor reviews the images together with your examination findings.

Recovery and follow-up

There is nothing to recover from. If dilating drops were used, near vision will be blurred for a few hours, so please avoid driving yourself home.

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