OCT:
See more than a standard eye test can reveal
At our practice, we use Topcon OCT technology to give you a more detailed view of your eye health than ever before. OCT, or Optical Coherence Tomography, is an advanced eye scan suitable for people of all ages. It allows your optometrist to look beneath the surface of the eye and view the layers that make up the structures at the front and back of the eye.
Much like ultrasound uses sound waves, OCT uses light waves to create highly detailed images. In a single scan, the machine captures both a digital photograph and a cross-sectional image of your eye, helping us detect problems earlier and monitor changes over time.
What is a Topcon OCT scan?
Using a state-of-the-art Topcon 3D OCT camera, your optometrist can carry out a scan that is:
• Non-invasive
• Painless
• Quick
• Simple
The scan provides an incredibly detailed view of the retina and other structures at the back of the eye. It can also help detect subtle changes that may not be visible during a standard eye examination.
Because your scans can be stored and compared over time, OCT also gives us a valuable ongoing record of your eye health, helping us track even the smallest changes year after year.
Why choose OCT?
A Topcon OCT scan gives your optometrist more information about the health of your eyes, allowing for:
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Earlier detection of eye conditions
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More accurate monitoring over time
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Greater reassurance about your eye health
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Better-informed referrals where needed
Many serious eye conditions develop gradually and may not show symptoms in the early stages. OCT helps us spot potential issues sooner, when treatment or monitoring can be most effective.
What can an OCT scan help detect?
Regular OCT screening can help identify a number of common eye conditions, including:
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD is one of the leading causes of sight loss in the UK. It affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision.
There are two forms of AMD: dry and wet. Wet AMD can cause rapid loss of vision and requires urgent hospital treatment. OCT can help identify the earliest signs of AMD, distinguish between dry and wet forms, and monitor changes over time.
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Diabetic retinopathy
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Glaucoma
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Vitreous detachment and vitreomacular traction
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Macular holes