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OCT

The OCT is a tomography that is performed in order to obtain very detailed images of cuts of ocular structures such as taint, retina and optic nerve.

The optical coherence tomography or OCT acts as a tomograph and microscope to offer the ophthalmologist high resolution images and precise results.

Optical coherence tomography is a non-invasive test, does not require the use of anesthesia and is performed in a few minutes.

En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We explain what an OCT is and what pathologies can be detected with this test.  

What is an OCT?

La optical coherence tomography, also known as macular OCT, is an imaging test that offers detailed cuts of different eye structures.

This test is similar to an MRI or CT scan.

The big difference is that OCT acts as a tomograph and a microscope at the same time to offer the ophthalmologist very high resolution images of the different structures of the eye.

By performing an optical coherence tomography, the doctor can obtain sections of hard-to-examine areas such as the macula, the retinal structures, the optic nerve, the choroid, vitreous humor, cornea and the iridochordeal angle.

The results of the OCT are obtained immediately and the images are usually delivered to the patient on the same day together with a medical report.

Through this tomography of the eyes the changes of the same cut can be studied in several explorations to analyze their evolution and determine diseases of the retina.

How is an optical coherence tomography performed?

Many people wonder how an optical coherence tomography is done.

The first thing we want to highlight is that it is a simple, painless, non-invasive test that lasts a few minutes.

To perform an OCT it is not necessary to use anesthesia nor is it necessary to dilate the pupil.

During the tomography, the patient should be seated in a straight position with the chin resting on the chin bar of the tomograph.

When the specialist begins to perform the exam, the person should stare at the beam of light radiated by the diagnostic equipment.

After one minute the test will be finished and the patient can make his life as usual. OCT is a very simple test to perform in both children and adults.

What pathologies does an OCT help to detect?

Eye tomography is often indicated as macular OCT, retina OCT, or OCT glaucomaThis is because this test allows to diagnose different conditions associated with the ocular globule.

OCT also helps detect:

  • Macular degeneration associated with age: This disease affects the macula, the central part of the retina, and usually develops from the age of 50 due to aging.
  • macular edema: Accumulation of fluid in the layers of the retina due to diabetes, thrombosis venous or ocular inflammation.
  • Macular hole: Occurs when the vitreous humor separates from the retina. OCT allows to know the exact diameter of the hole.
  • Epiretinal membrane: It is the formation of a translucent membrane on the macula that causes deformation of the retina and alterations in sight.
  • Retinal dystrophies: set of hereditary eye diseases that alter the retina because they cause the cell death of it.
  • Glaucoma: Optical coherence tomography allows to study the thickness of the nerve fibers that surround the optic nerve to diagnose glaucoma in the initial phase.
  • Optic Neuritis: OCT allows us to analyze how inflamed the optic nerve is.

En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We have the necessary technology to perform optical coherence tomography or OCT necessary in our patients. Do not hesitate to contact us!

Summary
OCT - Optical Coherence Tomography
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OCT - Optical Coherence Tomography
Description
We tell you what an OCT or Optical Coherence Tomography is, how it is performed and what pathologies it can detect.
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Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
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