OCT – Optical Coherence Tomography

The OCT test is a state-of-the-art ophthalmic diagnostic procedure that allows histological resolution cross-sectional images of the eyes of a live animal.  Our office has an iVue fourier-domain OCT device purchased in the fall of 2012 (currently one of the most modern devices).

 The essence of the OCT test is that the 830 nm infrared light emitted by the machine is reflected in the tissues of the eye, and a cross-sectional image of the examined structure of the eye is obtained from the amount of the reflected light beam.  The device captures 26,000 images per second with a resolution sensitivity of 5 micrometers, resulting in a very accurate final image.  The OCT device allows us to examine in living patients lesions previously seen only on histological sections.

The following tests can be performed with the OCT:
  • Corneal mapping: measurement of corneal thickness, examination of corneal lesions (eg angiogenesis, ulcer healing, pigmentation, edema, corneal scars)
  • CExamination of the hall corner: the hall water is drained in the hall corner. If this leads to obstructed glaucoma (green cataract) / high pressure in the eye. With the OCT device we can examine the width of the atrium, the pathological changes that occur here.
  • Retinal mapping: the retina is the retina of the eye, it ensures the function of vision, in case of damage blindness can develop. During the mapping of the retina, we determine the thickness of the patient’s retina, whether there are any abnormalities, nerve damage, bleeding, retinal detachment…, etc. Examination of the retina can shed light on some inherited eye diseases, e.g. Also the presence of PRA, which is important to exclude in the case of dogs bred so that they are not passed on to their offspring.
  • Cross-line examination of the retina: If an abnormal lesion is found in an area of ​​the retina, bi-directional images can be taken for even more accurate assessment.
  • Glaucoma map: due to glaucoma / high intraocular pressure, the entire retina may become thinner, the shape of the optic nerve head may change, and the retina may become thinner due to PRA and other retinal degenerative diseases, this can be examined.

 

OCT testing is recommended in the following cases:
 

  • to accurately map existing ophthalmic disease
  • to establish a prognosis for an eye disease
  • as part of ophthalmic screening – for breeding and pet dogs and cats.