Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical Coherence Tomography, Gonzales, LA 

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging technique that uses light waves to create highly detailed images of the retina—the thin, light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. It works by shooting light into the back of your eye and measuring how it reflects off different structures inside your eyes. The information is then relayed to a computer which creates an image that gives doctors a better view of what’s going on beneath the surface.  

OCT scans can be used to detect a wide range of conditions and eye diseases, often before symptoms appear. Since OCT provides incredibly detailed images of the retina, it enables eye doctors to track changes in the eyes over time and monitor the progression or regression of any ocular diseases.  

During the test, you will sit in front of the OCT machine and rest your head on a support to keep it still. The test is safe, painless, and only takes 5-10 minutes to complete. 

How are optical coherence tomography scans used? 

An OCT scan can help your doctor diagnose a range of eye diseases and conditions, including: 

• Diabetic retinopathy 
• Age-related macular degeneration 
• Macular edema 
• Glaucoma 
• Retinal detachment, occlusions, or bleeding 
• Macular hole 
• Neovascularization 

Your eye doctor may perform an OCT scan if you are at a higher risk of developing eye diseases or are over a certain age. If you have already been diagnosed with an eye disease, an OCT scan will help your doctor monitor the progression of the disease. Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and learn how OCT scans help you maintain good vision.