OCT Eye Exam
With many eye conditions, the faster you identify a problem, the more you protect. That’s why we recommend booking an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scan as part of your regular eye examination. An OCT scan can help us detect some sight-threatening issues up to five years before other traditional testing methods and often many years before you’ll notice any changes yourself.
An OCT scan is non-invasive and quick, providing us with a more thorough understanding of your eye health and allowing the team at L. Thompson Optometrists to diagnose and manage potential issues before they affect your vision.
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What is an OCT scan?
An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technique used to examine the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. By capturing detailed, cross-sectional images of the retina’s layers, OCT helps to detect early signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
The scan only takes a few minutes, and afterwards, your L. Thompson optometrist examines the images and discusses the results with you. You’ll get to see a 3D image of the layers of your retina instantly!
Who Needs an
OCT Scan?
An OCT scan is beneficial for anyone looking to protect their long-term eye health. Still, it’s especially recommended for individuals at risk of or experiencing age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetes. If you have a history of eye disease, are over 40, or notice any changes in your vision, an OCT can provide crucial early detection of retinal issues.
Why Have an
OCT Scan?
An OCT scan is essential for detecting early signs of serious eye conditions, even before symptoms appear. Early detection allows for timely treatment, helping to prevent vision loss and ensuring long-term eye health.
As the only independent practice to provide an OCT exam in Congleton, we pride ourselves on making your experience comfortable, non-invasive, and personal. We’ll keep records of your scans so that your optometrist can compare your OCT images throughout the years which allows us to track slow developing conditions and monitor progression of eye conditions.
How Does an OCT Scan Work?
An OCT scan uses light waves to capture detailed images of the retina. The scan produces a high-resolution photograph of the layers within the retina, allowing us to detect abnormalities at a microscopic level.
The entire process takes just a few minutes. You simply sit in front of the OCT machine, and without touching the eye, it scans through the layers of your retina.
FAQs
What is the Difference Between an OCT Scan and a Regular Eye Test?
OCT scans can be offered as an extra feature during your routine eye test. While a standard test allows the optometrist to view the surface of your retina through your pupil, an OCT scan provides detailed images of the layers beneath. This advanced view helps in detecting sight-threatening conditions early. We store these images to track long-term changes in your eye health. For complete reassurance, we recommend including an OCT scan in your regular eye examination.
Are There Any Side Effects of an OCT Scan?
There are no known side effects or risks associated with an OCT scan.
How Much Does an OCT Scan Cost?
Investing in your eye health and having a private eye examination with an OCT costs £55, or £35 as an add on for those eligible for NHS sight tests.
What Conditions Can an OCT Scan Detect?
An OCT scan can help detect early signs of:
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Glaucoma
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Diabetes – by detecting Diabetic Retinopathy
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Macula conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
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Other retinal conditions
The images are stored securely, so at your next appointment, your optometrist can compare your scans to previous appointments to see if anything has changed.
