Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SDOCT)
Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) allows us to visualize cross-sectional, anterior segment, and three-dimensional (3-D) views of the retina. The SD-OCT yields information about retinal and optic nerve anatomy and histopathology that is often entirely invisible to traditional methods of examining the eyes. This enables us to diagnose glaucoma and retinal diseases and monitor treatment efficacy with greater efficiency and accuracy. The data provided by SD-OCT are analogous to those obtained with ultrasound B examinations, but with some notable advantages. For example, the resolution of ultrasound B is about 150 microns, while the resolution of SD-OCT is 5 microns. Just as important, the retinal scans with SD-OCT are highly reproducible which is vital when monitoring for changes, progression and regression.
The advantage this technology offers the patient, in addition to the comprehensive examination, is quicker detection and closer, more accurate monitoring of their eye disease. The key to successfully preventing and treating any eye disease is catching it early, even before the human eye can detect the changes, and this instrument does just that. The undeniable fact that photoreceptors cannot be observed via traditional examination methods exemplifies the importance of the SD-OCT. We have approximately 126 million photoreceptors in the retina (120 million rods and 6 million cones). A patient may lose upwards of 100 million photoreceptors, and yet the retina may still look somewhat "normal" under traditional examination methods!
The test itself is very patient friendly. It is fast, reliable, painless, non-invasive, non-contact and without the dangers of radiation. The scan acquisition is highly reproducible, rapid and simple. It does not require the administration/injection of intravenous contrast dye/media. Patients are also happy to know that pupil dilation is usually not required to perform an SD-OCT scan.
Vast number of patients will benefit from SD-OCT technology through early detection of eye diseases; thus allowing us to quickly get them treated and prevent any further vision loss. Although individual cases will vary, Dr. Vu recommends the use of bi-annual or annual monitoring with SD-OCT technology for all patients who have diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or any condition that affects the retina and/or optic nerve.
The advantage this technology offers the patient, in addition to the comprehensive examination, is quicker detection and closer, more accurate monitoring of their eye disease. The key to successfully preventing and treating any eye disease is catching it early, even before the human eye can detect the changes, and this instrument does just that. The undeniable fact that photoreceptors cannot be observed via traditional examination methods exemplifies the importance of the SD-OCT. We have approximately 126 million photoreceptors in the retina (120 million rods and 6 million cones). A patient may lose upwards of 100 million photoreceptors, and yet the retina may still look somewhat "normal" under traditional examination methods!
The test itself is very patient friendly. It is fast, reliable, painless, non-invasive, non-contact and without the dangers of radiation. The scan acquisition is highly reproducible, rapid and simple. It does not require the administration/injection of intravenous contrast dye/media. Patients are also happy to know that pupil dilation is usually not required to perform an SD-OCT scan.
Vast number of patients will benefit from SD-OCT technology through early detection of eye diseases; thus allowing us to quickly get them treated and prevent any further vision loss. Although individual cases will vary, Dr. Vu recommends the use of bi-annual or annual monitoring with SD-OCT technology for all patients who have diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or any condition that affects the retina and/or optic nerve.