Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging method that uses the phenomenon of interference of low-coherence light waves to obtain high-resolution, cross-sectional images of ocular structures. The technology works on a similar principle to ultrasound, but uses infrared radiation instead of sound waves, allowing an axial resolution of 3-7 micrometres. The OCT device analyses reflected light from different layers of ocular tissues, producing detailed cross-sections of the structures under examination in real time.
W okulistyce OCT znajduje szerokie zastosowanie w obrazowaniu siatkówki, nerwu wzrokowego, warstwy włókien nerwowych oraz struktur przedniego odcinka oka, w tym rogówki i tęczówki. Metoda ta jest niezbędna w diagnostyce i monitorowaniu zwyrodnienia plamki związanego z wiekiem (AMD), obrzęku plamki, retinopatii cukrzycowej, jaskry, dziury plamkowej oraz epiretinal membranes. OCT enables precise assessment of retinal thickness, the presence of intra- and subretinal fluid, changes in Bruch's membrane and the structure of the optic nerve head, and is now the gold standard for the diagnosis of diseases of the posterior segment of the eye.