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OCT Scan

OCT SCAN

What is an OCT Scan?

An OCT scan (Optical Coherence Tomography) of the eye is a non-invasive imaging test that takes very detailed pictures of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Optometrists use it to see the retina’s structure layer by layer, almost like a microscopic cross-section.

How it works
  • OCT uses light waves (not X-rays).
  • The light reflects off different layers of the retina.
  • A computer turns these reflections into a high-resolution image.
It’s painless and usually takes just a few minutes.
Why OCT scans are done
OCT is commonly used to diagnose and monitor:
  • Macular degeneration
  • Diabetic eye disease
  • Macular edema (swelling)
  • Glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve)
  • Retinal holes or detachments
  • Eye inflammation
It helps detect problems early, sometimes before vision changes are noticed.
What an OCT image looks like
An OCT scan looks like a side view of the retina. You’ll see:
  • Multiple layers of the retina
  • Their thickness
  • Any swelling, thinning, holes, or fluid
Healthcare professionals compare these layers to what a healthy retina should look like.
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