History of Optical Coherence Tomography Use In Eye Care

An Overview of Historic Optical Coherence Tomography

Simply put, Optical Coherence Tomography is widely used due to its ability to take high resolution images of the eye through the reflection of light.

Early on in optometry, eye doctors were only able to take a cross section image of the eye. but in 1990 German Professor Adolf Friedrich Fercher was the first to create a 2-dimensional image of the eye, which laid all the groundwork for the development of OCT. Once he was able to complete his scan, it was sent to his colleagues in Massachusetts to take his initial imaging and create the final 2D image which was proof of the huge potential of this technology and its ability to detect abnormalities of the tissues within the eye. By 1996, this technology was on the market commercially for purchase by optometry clinics.

Unbeknownst to them at the time, this breakthrough would contribute greatly to the better understanding of many diseases across multiple health disciplines, including cardiology, cancer, and neurological diseases such as MS and and Alzheimers.

Medical professionals have been using this type of technology to create other types of diagnostic images such as X-rays, MRI’s and CT Scans, but the benefit of an OCT scan is that the light is reflected a very short distance, allowing for very high quality images.

OCT is used to detect many vision conditions of the retina such as:

• Age Related Macular degeneration
• Macular hole
• Macular pucker
• Macular edema
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Central serous retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Vitreous traction
• Changes to the optic nerve

Your Calgary OCT Eye Exams

Protecting your vision is important and due to advances in technology the team of expert eye doctors at Specs in the City is well equipped to keep a close eye on your optic health. Using only top of the line equipment such as Optical Coherence Tomography, their optometrists will ensure you and your family have the most skilled and knowledgeable optometrists taking care of your vision. Call our team at 1-403-252-2020, or fill out the contact form on this website to book your appointment.

FAQs

Q: What is OCT?
A: OCT stands for Optical coherence tomography. It is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging test utilized by Calgary eye doctors during an eye exam. OCT uses light waves to take high resolution images of your retina.

Q: Where in Calgary can I get an eye exam with OCT?
A: Specs in the City on Blackfoot Trail SE are your OCT specialists. The team will use this imaging to protect your vision and the eyesight of those you love.

Q: Will I need eye drops for OCT?
A:  Not every Calgary optometrist uses drops during Optical coherence tomography. Drops are used to dilate the pupil if the doctor is having a difficult time seeing into the eye.