A Complete Guide to Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Understanding

Optical coherence tomography, or OCT, is a ground-breaking imaging method that has revolutionized scientific study and medical diagnoses. High-resolution cross-sectional images of biological tissues are obtained using this non-invasive technique, which offers vital insights into various medical diseases, especially in dermatology, cardiology, and ophthalmology. In this post, we shall examine OCT's foundations, principles of operation, applications, developments, and prospects.

Optical coherence tomography: What is it?

Noninvasive imaging tests include optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). These tests use light waves to take cross-sectional images of the retina.

With OCT, your ophthalmologist can view every unique layer of the retina and map and gauge its thickness. These measurements aid diagnosis and direct the therapy of retinal diseases such as diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), the blood vessels within and beneath the retina are imaged. OCTA and fluorescein angiography are similar. However, the test is far faster and doesn't require dye.

What is an angiography using optical coherence tomography?

"traditional angiography," known as "arteriography," describes using X-rays to look within blood arteries. Your doctor usually injects a radiopaque dye, which appears on the X-rays. Additionally, a specialized form of angiography is used by eye care specialists to look at the blood vessels in your retina. When the dye is exposed to blue light, it glows.

Optical coherence tomography angiography is another tool eye care specialists use to view the blood vessels within the eye. Unlike conventional angiography, it is entirely noninvasive and does not require the injection of a dye.

What diseases is OCT helpful in diagnosing?

OCTA and OCT aid in the diagnosis of numerous eye disorders, such as:

macular hole

Macular pucker
Macular oedema
Age-related deterioration of the eyes
Glaucoma
Serous retinopathy in the centre
Diabetic retinopathy
Vitreous adhesion
Atypical blood vessels
Obstruction of blood vessels

OCT is frequently used to assess optic nerve abnormalities as well. Your ophthalmologist can notice alterations to the optic nerve fibres thanks to the OCT examination. It can identify alterations brought on, for instance, by glaucoma.

OCT is dependent on light rays. Conditions that hinder light from entering the eye can't be used with it. Among these disorders are substantial bleeding in the vitreous or thick cataracts.

Optical coherence tomography is conducted when?

If your eye doctor suspects you have any disorders during your eye exam, or if you already have a condition they are helping you treat, they may recommend optical coherence tomography.

Medical professionals use OCT to diagnose and treat a variety of eye disorders, such as:

Glaucoma: The optic nerve is harmed by fluid and pressure accumulation in the eye.
Age-related macular degeneration: This illness can cause a person to lose central vision. Thankfully, it's an age-related progressive condition for which there are treatments.
Diabetes-related retinopathy: This condition causes vision loss by damaging the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. Visibility can become fuzzy due to fluid seeping out of your eye. In more severe cases, glaucoma may develop, and your entire retina may separate from the back of your eye. Diabetic retinopathy can cause total blindness, although it can also be managed with medication.
Cystoid macular oedema: Macular oedema is the term for the fluid-filled swelling of your macula. The area of your retina with the most light-sensing cells is called the macula.
Macular pucker: Your eyesight may become distorted due to scar tissue growing across the surface of your retina. Sometimes, surgery is helpful.
Macular hole: When your retina separates, a macular hole is created in your macula. Your vision may be affected, but surgery is an option to restore it.
Cone and cone-rod dystrophies: These disorders impact the light- and colour-sensitive cells in your eyes. You may experience vision loss as the problem becomes worse.
Retinal and choroid tumours: These cancers affect the choroid, a vascular layer between the retina and the sclera.

OCT applications

OCT is found to be extensively used in medical research and diagnostics. The following are some of the most important fields in which OCT has had an enormous influence:

Eye care

OCT has completely changed the field of ophthalmology by offering finely detailed images of the optic nerve and retina. It is frequently used to identify and keep track of conditions like:

Age-Related macular degeneration (AMD): OCT makes early AMD detection and monitoring possible, allowing for prompt management.
Glaucoma: OCT imaging of the optic nerve head and retinal nerve fibre layer assists in diagnosing and treating glaucoma.
Diabetic retinopathy: OCT is essential for controlling diabetic retinopathy because it can identify macular edema and retinal swelling.
Retinal detachment: OCT provides detailed images of the retinal layers, aiding in the diagnosis and surgical planning of this condition.

Cardiology

OCT is used in cardiology to examine coronary arteries and evaluate plaque properties. Intravascular OCT (IVOCT) provides high-resolution pictures of artery walls, which helps in cardiovascular disease diagnosis and treatment.

Industrial uses

OCT is utilized in a variety of industrial applications outside of medical diagnosis, such as:

Material inspection: OCT examines a material's interior structure to find flaws and guarantee quality control.
Semiconductor manufacturing: OCT helps identify microstructural flaws in semiconductor wafers during examination.
Art conservation: To help conservation efforts, OCT examines the layers of historical items and artworks.

Multiple sclerosis and OCT

OCT is presently being investigated as a means of monitoring neurological disorders, specifically multiple sclerosis (MS), in addition to ocular conditions. The optic nerves are part of the central nervous system impacted by multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory illness.

Myelin is the layer that protects nerves and envelopes and insulates nerves (also known as axons). Myelin damage can occur in MS patients due to inflammation in some areas of the central nervous system.

Myelin does not shield retinal nerve fibres; studies have revealed that MS patients have thinner retinal nerve fibres. This lack of shielding allows clinicians to assess retinal nerve fibres concurrently with an improved view of single axons during OCT tests.

Even though magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is typically used to monitor multiple sclerosis (MS), physicians have discovered that OCT technology can offer extra retinal nerve imaging in MS patients, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of the condition.

Get frequent eye checkups to maintain eye health.

While routine comprehensive eye exams are vital, only some require specialized exams like OCT and OCTA. OCT and OCTA are the best methods to check your eyes' health and determine whether there have been any changes to your overall eye and vision health, no matter how small or large.

Even if your yearly eye exam is not due, you should always consult your eye doctor if you have concerns about your eyesight because even minor issues may indicate a more serious issue.

Conclusion

Medical imaging has revolutionized because of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which has revealed hitherto undiscovered details about the internal workings of biological tissues. OCT has been an essential medical research and diagnosis tool since its inception in ophthalmology. Its uses are growing, including cardiology, dermatology, oncology, and more. Functioning imaging, adaptive optics, and AI integration are examples of technological developments that are expanding the capabilities of OCT. In the future, optical coherence tomography (OCT) holds great promise for revolutionizing healthcare and enhancing patient outcomes, opening up new avenues for treatments and imaging.

Casey Optical Too, LLC is a pillar of high-quality vision care in Albuquerque, NM. Our comprehensive services ensure that all your eye care needs are met excellently. Don't wait any longer to experience the warmth and professionalism of our optometrists—schedule your appointment today and discover personalized care that prioritizes your vision and well-being.

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