Know About Oct Scan And Its Importance: A Brief Guide

Optical Coherence Tomography or OCT scan or is a type of non-invasive test for your eyes. Through this test, an image is created of the different layers of your retina. In this type of scan, light rays are used to take a cross-sectional picture of the retina. Ophthalmologist recommends you to take these tests in order to get an accurate picture of what is going on in your retina so that the treatment can be done accordingly. 

How did OCT Scan help in the Detection of An Eye Disease?

Generally, this OCT scan is recommended when the ophthalmologist suspects that the patient is suffering from some retina related eye problem. 

• Helps to measure the thickness of the layers of the retina: OCT scan allows the ophthalmologist to measure the thickness of each layer of your retina. Thus they are able to observe easily and deviance in the different layers of the retina. Some common issues detected through this test are age-related macular degenerations, glaucoma, as well as diabetes-related eye disease.
• Helps to spot any changes in the nerve fiber: The OCT scan is also used to detect problems with the optic nerve. With the help of this scan, the doctor can spot any changes in the nerve fiber, and thus pinpoint the cause of the issue. The Optical Coherence Tomography Scan is also used to detect macular hole, macular edema, macular pucker, vitreous traction, central serous retinopathy and more. 

However, it is to mention that the type of scan makes use for light rays to create an image of the retina it cannot be used in cases where the light is blocked from entering the eye. Thus, dense cataracts or excessive vitreous bleeding prevent doctors from being able to use this scan to create an image of the retina. 

The Process of the An OCT Scan

When you go in for an optical coherence scan, there is a simple procedure to follow. Beneath are the steps of the process: 

• In preparation for your scan, the doctor may use dilating eye drops to help the pupils of your eye dilate and become wider. This allows for more light to enter your eye, and thus, it helps in getting a clearer and better picture of your retina.
• For the scan, you will need to sit in the form of an OCT scanning machine. You will need to rest your head on a support so that your head remains motionless. Once you are seated comfortably, the scanning procedure will begin which can take up to 10 minutes.
• The procedure is non-invasive. Hence your eyes will be scanned without any device touching it. If a dilating eye drop has been delivered to your eyes, then you may experience sensitivity to light for some time after the procedure. 

Why Would You Need an OCT Scan?

OCT Scan Often refers to the individuals that are suffering from diabetes, or have a risk for glaucoma. However, just because the doctor advised you to do the test does not mean that there is something wrong with your eyes. Often this is done simply as a precaution. But is important that if your ophthalmologist has advised for this test for you make sure that you follow through. It is a simple procedure that hardly takes a few minutes but can go a long way in helping you take care of your eye. 

It is advisable to make sure that you visit a well-known and well-established eye clinic when going for an OCT scan. You can seek advice from an ophthalmologist to recommend a place or can take help from family and friends. However, going with the advice of the doctor is a wise step since it is important that you get the OCT scan test done from a reputable place.