During your most recent eye exam at Dayton Optometric Center, you may have heard your eye doctor mention Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). But what exactly is OCT and when and why is it important?

What Is an OCT Scan?

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses light waves to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the retina — the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that contains the photoreceptors responsible for detecting light. It works by illuminating the retina with light and measuring the reflections as the light bounces back through the tissue. The information collected is used to construct detailed images of the retina, which can be used to diagnose and monitor a wide range of eye diseases.

Why Would My Eye Doctor Recommend an OCT Scan?

There are a number of reasons your eye doctor may add an OCT test to your eye exam:

• To monitor the progression of an existing eye condition such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy
• To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for an existing eye condition
• To screen for eye conditions such as glaucoma or retinal detachment
• To detect early signs of eye disease in patients who are at high risk, including individuals with a family history of eye disease, those with diabetes, or those who have had previous eye surgery

If you have symptoms such as blurry vision, floaters, or difficulty seeing in low light, speak to our eye care team about whether an OCT test might be helpful in maintaining your vision and eye health.

Want to learn more about how our eye doctors in Kettering can help you see clearly and comfortably? Come visit our eye clinic at Dayton Optometric Center in Kettering, Ohio, or give us a call at (937) 228-2020 today!