OCT Machine: Next Evolution in Laser Eye Surgery

Eye examinations and analysis have come a long way in the last few decades evdienced by the OCT machine. The increase in new technology grows every day, and there are new machines like the OCT that are being introduced to help hospitals, dentists, and surgeries diagnose and detect medical conditions earlier and it’s becoming the next evolution in laser eye surgery.

What is an OCT Scan Machine?

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was first introduced by Carl Zeiss in 1996. It is a growing technology that performs high-resolution imaging for the eyes. OCT is similar to ultrasound images, except that it uses light waves instead of soundwaves. It can provide cross-sectional images of the structural tissue in real-time and to scale.

OCT machines function as a powerful imaging technology for early medical diagnostics. By using time-delayed information within the light waves, an OCT system can construct a deep analysis of the structure of your eye. The method has been established in eye imaging and is being researched and tested in other biomedical areas. These include endoscopic imaging, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems too.

OCT Scanning Technology

As a non-invasive imaging method, OCT produces high-resolution images of tissue. It penetrates into the eyes with near-infrared light which has long wavelengths. It’s through this technology that physicians and specialists like us, can diagnose diseases earlier than before.

An OCT scan is separate from an eye examination and is usually recommended for people aged 25 and over. Additionally, its also recommended if patients have a history of eye disease.

The machine detects the most delicate parts of the eye. The OCT captures a fundus photograph and a cross-sectional 3D scan on the back of the eye simultaneously. This can detect problems within the eye that could not be seen as easily before. Optical coherence tomography is becoming adopted by various arms of medicine. Within laser eye surgery services and clinics, OCT is already well established.

OCT Machine & Laser Eye Surgery

In vision correction treatments, this device has been increasingly used in various clinical situations. These involve corneal thickness measurements (CCT), depth assessments, and other applications.

As CCT is important for pretreatment scanning and surgical planning, the OCT machine can be used to evaluate this thickness and also measure the thickness of a stroma. For LASIK laser eye surgery preparation, the OCT machine can build a 3D image of the structure of the eye. This is so the surgery can be as accurate as possible. The OCT device can best detect LASIK flaps in the corneal zone where the thinner parts of the eye are located. This makes it the most important area to get right for planning surgery.

The OCT machine has been a complete evolution for laser eye surgery as the amount of detail that we thought could be achieved has been expanded even further. It’s a revolution to the precise information and structure professionals need to perform surgeries, like us at LaserVision.

What Happens at an OCT Scan?

An OCT scan will be over in just a few minutes, so you don’t need to worry about taking a day off work or moving your calendar around. But, here’s what to expect at your Optical Coherence Tomography scan:

• A colleague will scan your eyes with a high-tech OCT camera.
• The optometrist will examine the images using built-in tools and once they are done you will have a discussion with them.
• Your optometrist can then compare your new scan results with any old ones; this will help with an early diagnosis and viewing even the smallest of changes.

Even though the scan is totally painless, you may feel slightly dazzled for a few seconds. Don’t worry this is totally normal and should stop quickly. It’s a similar feeling to having your photograph taken with a flash.

Choose LaserVision for Your Vision Correction Treatments

Please note that any self-diagnosis is not recommended; the information above is a guide to provide you with information so that you can visit our medical experts.

Our team of eye surgeons will help to guide you in the right choice for you based on your requirements. Contact us to book an appointment for a full consultation and find out more about Optical Coherence Tomography and any other vision correction treatments you require.