An Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-sectional pictures of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. OCT scans reveal each of the retina’s distinctive layers and can help detect abnormalities, guiding diagnosis and treatment of various retinal diseases.
Formation: CNV occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the retina, often due to conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration. These vessels can leak fluid or blood, leading to vision distortion.
Symptoms: Patients may experience blurred vision, dark spots, or distorted images, particularly straight lines appearing wavy.
What to Look For: OCT scans can help identify these abnormal vessels and fluid accumulations early, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
Formation: DME is caused by fluid accumulation in the macula due to leaking blood vessels in the retina, commonly linked to diabetic retinopathy.
Symptoms: Patients might notice difficulty reading, blurred or double vision, and colors appearing washed out.
What to Look For: OCT helps in detecting the presence and severity of fluid retention within the macula, critical for managing diabetic eye disease.
Formation: Drusen are tiny yellow deposits under the retina, often associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While common in older adults, their presence and size can indicate AMD progression.
Symptoms: Early stages may not present clear symptoms, but as AMD progresses, patients might experience central vision loss or difficulty seeing in low light.
What to Look For: OCT can visualize these deposits and help monitor changes over time, facilitating early intervention.