Optical coherence tomography (OCT for short) is a non-contact and precise procedure for examining the eyes. The special feature of OCT is the exact visualization of the individual retinal layers.
Below you will find further information and selected specialists for optical coherence tomography.
The laser-assisted procedure plays a very important role in the diagnosis of retinal diseases.
It is used for the following areas:
.jpg "Makula des Auges")
Section of the central retina: Visual pit (fovea), choroid (choroid), sclera (sclera), retina (retina), yellow spot (macula) @ rob3000 /AdobeStock
Optical coherence tomography uses laser light to optically visualize tissue layers. Different layers reflect the incoming light differently. This information can be used to calculate and display the cross-section of the tissue. This type of reconstruction is called tomography.
Retinoscopy and fluorescein angiography provide a "top view" of the retina and its structures. However, they do not show the three-dimensional structure of the examined tissue.
This is where optical coherence tomography comes into play. Coherence tomography does not strain the eye and the measurement is not impaired by the vitreous body of the eye.
Optical coherence tomography is suitable for examining and visualizing the posterior segment of the eye and the back of the eye. It enables microscopically accurate imaging of the thin layers of the retina. It is also possible to measure the individual layers precisely.
The measuring accuracy and the layered imaging of the retina enable the doctor to detect even small changes in the tissue at an early stage.
This enables the doctor to initiate measures at an early stage to prevent or slow down irreversible damage to the nerve cells.
Due to its high precision, ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography has revolutionizedophthalmology. Ophthalmologists can now examine areas of the eye that they previously only knew from textbooks.
Another special feature of the procedure is the imaging of the anterior segment of the eye. In particular, the cornea (thickness measurement, placement of corneal transplants) and the chamber angle (displacement in the case of glaucoma).
The examination is similar to the slit lamp examination: the patient sits in front of the device with their head fixed so that small movements do not distort the image. Anesthesia is not necessary.
The doctor creates images, which he then views and evaluates.
Optical coherence tomography is an unrivaled procedure in ophthalmology. It enables an early diagnosis of serious diseases without putting strain on the eye.
If age-related macular degeneration is diagnosed, the costs of the examination are covered by health insurance. Otherwise, it is an IGEL service (individual health service) that the patient has to pay for themselves.
Due to its great benefits, the procedure has become indispensable in the diagnosis of retinal and optic nerve diseases.
