Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-sectional pictures of your retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. With OCT, your ophthalmologist can see each of the retina's distinctive layers, allowing them to map and measure their thickness. These measurements help with diagnosis and provide treatment guidance for glaucoma and diseases of the retina such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.

The OCT device never touches your eye and uses no radiation, making the test comfortable, quick, and safe for repeated testing during regular checkups. The scan works much like ultrasound but uses invisible infrared light instead of sound waves. The machine measures how the light reflects off the retina and nearby tissues, then converts that data into high-resolution images showing each retinal layer separately. This allows our specialists to measure thickness, spot small changes, and detect disease at earlier stages than a standard eye exam.

During the OCT exam, you will sit at the machine and rest your head on a chin support to keep the eye steady. In some cases, dilating drops are used so the camera can see more of the retina. As the scanner moves, you might notice a faint red line in your vision, but the test is completely painless. Most scans finish in five to ten minutes. There are no side effects from the light itself. If dilation was needed, you may have temporary light sensitivity or blurred vision that fades within a few hours.

OCT is crucial for diagnosing and managing several eye conditions including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and optic nerve diseases, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, macular edema, macular holes, and vitreous traction. Regular scans let our team compare new images with past results, so they can see progression or improvement and act before vision loss occurs.

At International Eye Hospital, our advanced OCT technology delivers immediate results during your visit, enabling our specialists to create personalized treatment strategies and confirm their effectiveness over time.