Optical coherence tomography, otherwise affectionately known as OCT, has been a game changer for the eye world since its introduction in the early 2000s. The OCT has allowed physicians to non-invasively image ocular structures on a microscopic level with unprecedented detail and accuracy. This has led to many advancements in research and improved management of ocular disease.
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(no eye puff!)

How does this cutting edge technology work? The OCT works in essentially the same way as an ultrasound except rather than using sound waves, the instrument measures the reflectance and scattering of light within the structures of the eye. But rather than the grainy picture of an unborn baby that we’re used to seeing, the OCT produces a high-definition 3-dimensional image of the retina that is accurate to the micron! The scan is completely painless and only takes a few seconds to complete but the information gained is invaluable.
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(not the surface of mars, but your retina in 3D!)

Use of the OCT has become standard in the management of chronic sight-threatening conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. In addition, the OCT can be used to detect swelling in the retina from a number of causes including uncontrolled diabetes.
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(retinal swelling from diabetes. Hint: this is bad)

Some changes to the eye can be so small that they are undetectable during a standard clinical exam. Preliminary screenings such as the iWellness exam on the Optovue OCT, however, may alert your physician of early retinal changes which may benefit from early intervention.

Today, the value and versatility of the OCT continues to grow and has become ubiquitous in any practice dedicated to the detection and management of ocular disease. If your eyes are perfectly healthy you may not have heard of the OCT until now. But like getting x-rays at the dentist, a quick retinal scan at the optometrist may soon become standard of care.

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