Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an important non-invasive imaging test used by a retinal physician to diagnosis and manage retinal diseases. OCT uses light waves to take a cross-section picture of the retina. OCT enables the retina physician to see the distinctive layers of the retina down to a microscopic level (on the order of 10 micrometers).
To perform the test, the patient will sit in front of the OCT machine with the head rested on a supportive chin rest. The machine will then scan the eye without ever physically touching the eye. The test takes about 5 minutes to complete.
Because OCT uses light to produce high resolution images, there is no risk to the patient of harmful side effects.