Ocular OCT Examination
Warsaw · Krakow · Vienna · Zurich
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an advanced ocular imaging technique. The OCT tomograph boasts a resolution 10 times greater than an ultrasound device, allowing its results to be compared to a histological image of the retina, thus offering diagnostic value similar to examining a surgically obtained tissue sample. This non-contact examination is performed on an outpatient basis. It takes only a few minutes, but accurate interpretation of the results requires extensive experience from the evaluating physician.
Ocular OCT Examination – in brief
- What it is: optical coherence tomography – non-contact imaging of the layers of the retina, macula, optic nerve, and cornea with micrometer resolution, like a histological cross-section
- What it detects: macular degeneration (AMD), macular edema, membranes and holes in the macula, glaucomatous changes in the optic nerve, diabetic retinopathy, corneal diseases; before laser surgery – corneal and epithelial thickness
- How it’s performed: you look steadily at a light point, the device scans the eye with a light beam; no contact, no pain
- How long it takes: a few minutes for both eyes; interpretation of the result by the doctor is more important than the scan itself
- Preparation: usually without pupil-dilating drops; remove contact lenses before the examination
- Price: At SwissLaser, we perform it as part of a comprehensive qualification examination (400 PLN, approximately 90 minutes, Warsaw and Krakow), which includes a complete set of measurements needed before the procedure.
OCT in Retinal Diagnostics
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an advanced ocular imaging technique. The OCT tomograph boasts a resolution 10 times greater than an ultrasound device, allowing its results to be compared to a histological image of the retina, thus offering diagnostic value similar to examining a surgically obtained tissue sample. This non-contact examination is performed on an outpatient basis. It takes only a few minutes, but accurate interpretation of the results requires extensive experience from the evaluating physician.
What Does the Examination Involve?
A beam of light is directed into the eye, and its reflections provide information about the position of its individual components. The light beam used by the device for measurements is safe for the eye. For the patient, this means the examination is painless and non-contact – they simply look steadily at a point indicated by the doctor, occasionally refraining from blinking.
OCT – What Does the Doctor Evaluate?
The tomograph allows for highly precise, three-dimensional cross-sections of the retina. The diagnostician can assess the retinal structure, the thickness of its nerve fibers, the condition of blood vessels, and the optic nerve. OCT examinations can be repeated multiple times without any health consequences for the patient.
Application of OCT in Ophthalmology
Ocular Optical Coherence Tomography is one of the most crucial examinations for diagnosing retinal diseases in individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or complications of diabetes (diabetic maculopathy). Ocular OCT is also utilized before planned cataract removal surgery and artificial lens implantation. It is invaluable for monitoring disease progression in glaucoma. OCT is standardly used for diagnosing the condition of the cornea before and after laser vision correction procedures.
Thanks to OCT, the condition of the anterior and posterior segments of the eyeball can be assessed, including the cornea, anterior chamber angle, macula, optic nerve, and retina.
Anterior segment OCT provides an image similar to that of UBM (ultrabiomicroscopy), with the distinction that UBM is a contact examination – a special flexible container (an ocular cap) filled with fluid is placed on the anesthetized eye, into which the probe tip is immersed without touching the eye – whereas OCT is non-contact. A disadvantage of UBM is the shallow depth (approx. 5 mm) to which the ultrasound beam can penetrate tissues. OCT is more precise.
The OCT examination requires the administration of a pupil-dilating agent into the patient’s conjunctival sac.
What Does the Examination Involve?
Anterior Segment of the Eye
- visualization similar to UBM, but more accurate and non-contact, e.g., visualization of the cornea, pachymetry, visibility of corneal scars, lens transparency, lens thickness, filtration (important in glaucoma), depth and volume profile of the anterior chamber of the eye
Posterior Segment of the Eye
- Macular OCT…
- OCT of the optic nerve and the thickness of the fibers around this nerve
Ocular Optical Coherence Tomography, also known as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
It can be performed with the Retina Scan Duo™ device. This is a high-resolution OCT and fundus camera (imaging the fundus through the pupil) in one. The advantages of the device are:
- Easy operation with automatic 3D eye tracking, automatic measurement, and user-friendly software. Automatic 3D tracking and auto-capture functions enable easy imaging of the fundus and all its features. Each standard and professional mode has a different image capture interface that can be selected according to needs.
- Retina Scan Duo’s stereo photography and panorama feature allows navigation through stereo and panoramic photography with target markers displayed on the observation screen, enabling the operator to easily capture stereo images and panoramic compositions.
- High image resolution – Retina Scan Duo™ has a built-in 12-megapixel CCD camera (averaging 50 HD images).
- Wide scanning area (12mm x 9mm) and a Normative Database imaged with a large-area color map (9mm x 9mm).
- 8 OCT scanning templates.
- FAF mode for automatic fluorescein angiography (fundus autofluorescence). FAF is an advanced screening function and a non-invasive method for RPE assessment without contrast dye. This function is helpful in detecting early stages of retinal disorders.
- Compact design.
SOCT REVO FC 130 Optical Tomograph
The REVO FC 130 ophthalmic tomograph combines one of the world’s fastest spectral OCT tomographs with a scanning speed of 130,000 A-scans per second and a non-mydriatic color fundus camera. The device is equipped with the latest real-time hardware tracking, AccuTrack™, and an automatic one-click examination mode.
The most important step is to choose the appropriate method for your vision defect. During the initial consultation, we will propose the suitable laser correction technique.
Most Frequent Questions
How much does an ocular OCT examination cost?
At SwissLaser, OCT is part of a comprehensive qualification examination for 400 PLN, which also includes corneal topography, biometry, tonometry, and fundus examination. The doctor discusses the results during the same visit. The examination is performed in Warsaw and Krakow.
What diseases can an OCT examination detect?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), macular edema and holes, epiretinal membranes, diabetic retinopathy, glaucomatous changes in the nerve fiber layer, retinal detachment, and corneal diseases – including keratoconus and abnormal epithelial thickness before laser correction.
Are eye drops needed for an OCT examination?
Usually not – modern tomographs image the retina through the natural pupil. If the pupil is very narrow or if the fundus is examined during the same visit, the doctor may administer dilating drops; in this case, you should not drive for 2–3 hours.
Is an OCT examination safe during pregnancy?
Yes. OCT uses safe infrared light, without ionizing radiation and without contact with the eye, so it can be performed during pregnancy and on children.
How long does an OCT examination take and is it painful?
The scan itself takes a few minutes for both eyes and is completely painless – nothing touches the eye. The discussion of the results with the doctor takes longer, as the interpretation of the image determines the value of the examination.
All examinations are performed in Warsaw (ul. Kolejowa 1) and Krakow (ul. Kluczborska 15/U3). Diagnostic overview: eye examinations; what happens next: qualification for the procedure.
