Optical Coherence Tomography is a noninvasive imaging technology used to obtain high resolution cross-sectional images of the retina. The layers within the retina can be differentiated and retinal thickness can be measured to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of retinal diseases and conditions.
OCT testing has become a standard of care for the assessment and treatment of most retinal conditions. OCT uses rays of light to measure retinal thickness. No radiation or X-rays are used in this test, an OCT scan does not hurt and it is not uncomfortable.
You may be given an OCT scan for a variety of reasons, including monitoring of the progress of your disease, verifying or discounting suspected swelling of the retina or checking OCT results against other results to determine the effectiveness of the current medication regime.
Optical Coherence Tomography uses technology that is best compared to ultrasound, except that it employs light rather than sound and thereby achieves clearer, sharper resolution.