World Glaucoma Week: How OCT Can Aid In The Early Diagnosis Of Glaucoma

Optical Coherence Tomography And Glaucoma

What Is OCT?

OCT Stands for Optical Coherence Tomography. An OCT scan is a painless, non-invasive imaging test that creates cross-sectional images of the retina using light waves. This allows the optometrist to see the layers inside the retina. These scans are a quick way to examine the eye and accurately diagnose eye diseases within the retina. OCT scans are easy to use, highly reliable, and have a low false-positive rate.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve and lead to vision impairment and eventual blindness. Typically, 15% of people with glaucoma will become blind in at least 1 eye within about 20 years, and glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over 60. Glaucoma is typically caused by high pressure within the eye and it offers no warning signs until irreversible vision loss has started occurring. Because of this, regular screening for glaucoma for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment is incredibly important. Early detection is the key to saving eyesight as any vision loss caused by glaucoma cannot be restored, but it is possible to slow or halt the progression of glaucoma.

How Can OCT Be Used To Diagnose Glaucoma?

OCT scans can detect glaucoma in the early stages by measuring the retinal nerve fibre layer of the eye. The scans use 3D imaging and advanced segmentation algorithms of macular and optic nerve head regions to detect glaucoma within the eye. Since glaucoma does not present symptoms until the late stages and is difficult to detect until it has progressed, OCT scans are a highly beneficial tool for early diagnosis. OCT scans offer the best results when they are combined with a field vision test and clinical eye examination, both of which your optometrist will conduct during an eye exam whether or not glaucoma is suspected. 

Calgary Eye Exams And Glaucoma Screenings At Specs In The City

Since early diagnosis is the key to preventing the progression of glaucoma, regular eye exams play a vital role in the detection of this eye condition. When you schedule an eye exam at Specs in the City, we will conduct a field vision test, examination of your vision, and a physical exam of your eyes through various images. This gives the optometrist the ability to look at the physical health of your eye. To receive premium eye care and a glaucoma screening, schedule an eye exam by calling 1-403-252-2020 or filling out the online contact form.

FAQ

Q: Why would my optometrist ask me to repeat a field vision test or an optical coherence tomography scan?
A: Sometimes your optometrist will have to ask you to perform these again or intermittently to make sure results are accurate and to measure the decline/progression over time.

Q: Is glaucoma hereditary?
A: Recent research has unveiled a hereditary aspect of glaucoma. Certain people have genes that are linked to optic nerve damage and abnormally high eye pressure.

Q: Can people of all ages develop glaucoma?
A: Yes, anyone at any age can develop glaucoma. It is more common in adults over the age of 60, therefore they are recommended to receive more frequent comprehensive eye exams.