Eye Library / Diagnostic Tests / Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an technique which produces high resolution, high speed, non-invasive, cross-sectional images of body tissue. The technology is best compared to ultrasound, except that it employs light rather than sound and thereby achieves clearer, sharper resolution. Non-invasive OCT examinations produce real-time cross-sectional images of retinal tissue, in ophthalmic applications, and are usually accomplished in less than 10 minutes.

OCT's high resolution is 10 times greater than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound, microscopic early signs of disruption in tissues can be detected and treated. The ophthalmic applications have already benefited patients with glaucoma, retinal and macular diseases and those considering corneal and refractive surgery.