Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an emerging advanced technology in the biomedical field. It provides a reliable, high-resolution and non-invasive way of diagnostic imaging. By means of the optical properties, OCT can provide the crosssectional and three-dimensional information of the ocular structures in vivo. Its resolution is so precise that is up to few microns and therefore it is a very powerful instrument to rule out any ocular structural anomalies within seconds.
OCT assessment is especially useful for the sight-threatening diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Through the OCT measurement, objective numerical values of the ocular anatomical profile can be obtained. This definitely assists the optometrists to detect the ocular diseases in an early stage before it is too late.
For patients with suspicious glaucomatous findings or with glaucoma being diagnosed, besides the measurement of intra-ocular pressure (IOP) and optic disc inspection, the optometrists may further suggest the patients to perform the functional visual field test and structural OCT retinal nerve fiber layer assessment in order to monitor the structural changes and make a prompt referral if necessary.
Furthermore, by applying the OCT macular assessment to those patients with suspicious maculopathy, like macular hole, cystoid oedema, epiretinal membrane and central serous chorioretinoapthy, the cross-sectional profile of the macular region (which provides our central detailed vision) can be obtained for proper diagnosis and for regular monitor of the pathological deterioration.
