Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an innovative imaging technique that allows ophthalmologists to obtain high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina and other eye structures. This non-contact and painless procedure is essential for diagnosing and monitoring various conditions, including retinal diseases, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Doctors at Dobrobut Ophthalmology use modern technologies to ensure maximum diagnostic accuracy and effective treatment.

When to See a Doctor

It's important to consult an ophthalmologist if you experience symptoms that may indicate serious vision problems requiring OCT of the retina, such as:

• Blurred or distorted vision, especially if such changes occur suddenly, which may signal retinal problems.
• Difficulties with night vision or in low-light conditions.
• Sudden appearance of spots or flashes of light, which could indicate retinal detachment or other serious conditions.
• Blind spots or dark areas in the visual field.
• Persistent pain or discomfort in the eye, which may be signs of glaucoma and other eye diseases.

A doctor can evaluate the current symptoms and complaints and recommend OCT to obtain detailed images of the eye's internal structures.

Indications and Contraindications

Indications for Optical Coherence Tomography:

• Diabetic retinopathy: To monitor retinal changes in diabetic patients.
• Age-related macular degeneration: To assess the structure and thickness of the macula for early disease detection.
• Glaucoma: To monitor the condition of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer for progression assessment.
• Retinal detachment or tears.
• Other retinal diseases, including central serous retinopathy.

There are no specific contraindications for OCT, as it is a non-invasive procedure. However, it may not be suitable for patients who cannot maintain the necessary position during the examination or have significant eye inflammation that could affect image quality.

How the Retinal OCT Procedure is Conducted in Kyiv

Optical Coherence Tomography typically consists of the following steps:

1. Preparation: It is recommended not to use decorative cosmetics on the day of the procedure. For a better view of the retina, the doctor may dilate the pupils.
2. The patient is seated in front of the OCT device, resting their chin on a support. Eye alignment is achieved by instructing the patient to look at a specific target or light source in the device.
3. The OCT device records a series of images using light waves. This takes only a few minutes and is completely painless.
4. The procedure is non-invasive and causes no discomfort, thus requiring no recovery time. However, if the pupils are dilated, caution is advised for a while due to blurred vision.

Advantages of Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has many advantages, making it an important tool in modern ophthalmology. Here are the key benefits of this technology:

• High resolution and the ability to obtain 3D images of the eye: OCT provides incredibly detailed images of the retina and other eye structures, allowing doctors to accurately assess the condition of these tissues. This is critical for early disease detection.
• The procedure is non-contact and painless, making it comfortable for people of all ages.
• Speed: The examination takes only a few minutes, providing almost immediate results.
• The ability to monitor disease dynamics and timely detect changes in the retina, crucial for treatment adjustments if necessary.
• Detection of early structural changes in the eye that may be invisible with traditional examination methods, such as a fundoscopic exam.
• Wide range of applications: OCT is used for diagnosing and monitoring many diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and other retinal diseases.
• Safety: OCT does not use ionizing radiation (as in X-rays), making it safe even for frequent use.

Optical Coherence Tomography is one of the most innovative and effective diagnostic methods in ophthalmology and can complement other instrumental studies such as refractometry. Its numerous advantages help in the early detection of diseases and enable doctors to develop the most suitable treatment plans for patients.

You can schedule a procedure and get complete information about Optical Coherence Tomography and its cost by contacting our call center. Our administrators will answer all your questions.