Up until now your eye examination has only been able to look at what can be seen from the outside of the eye. The most important area of the eye is the retina and all we can currently see is what’s on the surface. The problem is that most ocular issues stem from beneath the retinal surface. By the time they are visible from the surface much damage has already been done.
Such diseases as Macula Degeneration (AMD) both wet and dry, diabetic retinopathy, Glaucoma, Retinal Detachment, to name just a few, are already advanced before we can detect them and refer for treatment. The OCT scan, much like a CAT scan, looks through the surface to the layers below providing a 3D cross section allowing us to see changes deep in the tissue thus catching them early with potentially sight saving results.
The scan is painless and has no side effects but by having one done every time you have an eye examination will give us that vital early warning if there are issues developing, or give you peace of mind and reassurance that your eyes are in good shape.
As clinicians we are so excited by the sight saving potential of this diagnostic scan that we have put a massive investment into the purchase of the scanner. Make sure you get the peace of mind that an OCT Scan can offer.
What does it do?
For the first time we can see beneath the surface layer of retina in 3 dimensions and in cross section. It is in this usually invisible area that many eye diseases first manifest themselves. Diseases such as Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Retinopathy to name but a few. Early detection means early treatment and improved outcomes.
What does it help to detect?
Many diseases such as those above, and it can also help if you have a cataract because it can see through the cloudy lens to the retina behind.
What do you do if you find something?
Depending on the problem you may be referred to an ophthalmologist for early treatment or it may be an issue that needs monitoring to see if it develops into something requiring treatment.
Does it hurt?
No, it is completely painless. The scan works on laser light so nothing touches your eye.
Are there harmful side effects?
No, the procedure is completely harmless with absolutely no side effects. Because it works on laser light rather than X-ray frequencies there are no after effects at all.
Is it expensive?
For less than the cost of a visit to the dental hygienist you can have the most sophisticated eye scan available to day, and you can have it in your local Friths practice! No wasted days and massive parking bills involved with going to the hospital you can have it done here and now.
What is the difference between a retinal photo and an OCT retinal scan?
A retinal photo, which you may have had done in the past, is now older technology. The camera looks through the iris and takes a picture of the surface of the back of the eye (the retina). The problem is that many diseases start in the layers behind the surface thus completely invisible to normal examination techniques and retinal photos. If add to that the problem of the media inside the eye getting cloudier with age and, in some case the internal crystalline lens clouding (cataract) and you can see that it can be difficult to get a clear picture of even that surface layer. OCT retinal scanning can see through that and images the surface and sub-surface layers of the retina getting right to the heart of where problems start.
An added bonus is that the OCT scan also takes a retinal photo so any photo’s we may have taken of your eye aren’t wasted, we can still do the surface comparison.
How long does it take?
The scan itself takes only a few minutes, but we like to explain the findings to you so the appointment for the scan will be 15 minutes. If you have it conjunction with an eye examination (most people do) it takes a total of 45 minutes.
Who should have it done?
To get the most out of the scan everyone over the age of 40 should be scanned every 2 years or sooner as directed by the optometrist. Even if nothing is wrong the first scan give an accurate benchmark with which following scans can be compared. This is an incredibly powerful way of detecting even the smallest changes to your eye health.
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