Specialist Services

OCT Scans

OCULAR COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY (OCT) is a highly advanced scanning technique that takes 3D scans of the back of the eye, right down to individual cell layers. Regular OCT scans help us to screen your eyes for potentially serious conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes and age-related macular degeneration.

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Close-up of a blue and hazel human eye with dark lashes and clear iris detail.

Early detection will always lead to better outcomes, which is why screening checks for conditions such as breast, bowel and prostate cancer are becoming increasingly important. OCT scans allow us to screen your eyes in a similar fashion. Detecting changes in their infancy, puts us in an improved position to deal with them more effectively, thereby ensuring your eyes are as healthy as they can be going forwards.

OCT scans give us an invaluable record of the health and condition of your eyes. It is non invasive and takes only a few moments. OCT scans are included as part of your First Contact Care Plan and are carried out during your examination. The scans can be assessed immediately and the results discussed with you during your appointment.

Below are some real life examples of scans which have been taken in our practice to diagnose conditions.....

Retinal fundus photograph showing optic disc, blood vessels, and macula on orange background.

Thermal imaging visualization showing heat distribution with red hotspot and green cool areas

OCT scan showing retinal layers with optic nerve head depression and normal retinal structure

Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - This occurs when there is a buildup of fluid in the underlying layers of the macula, secondary to degeneration of the cells that process light.

Retinal fundus photograph showing optic disc, blood vessels, and macula region with selection box.

3D topographic heat map visualization showing elevation data with green terrain

OCT scan of retinal cross-section showing eye tissue layers and structure

Full thickness macular hole -This is a defect that affects all the layers at the macula. One cause of this is when the jelly at the back of the eye pulls away, but ‘does not let go’ causing the retina to tear and leaves a hole.

Retinal fundus photograph showing optic disc and blood vessels in eye

3D thermal heat map with red hotspot center, transitioning to yellow and green cooler areas

OCT scan of retinal layers showing macula with central depression in cross-section

Epiretinal membrane -This is where the layer on the surface of the retina ‘wrinkles’. Patients may experience no symptoms at all, blurring or even distortion in their vision.

Fundus photograph showing optic disc with green measurement line indicating horizontal distance.

Three-dimensional topographic map in neon green and yellow gradient colors showing terrain elevation variations

OCT scan of retinal layers showing detailed cross-sectional eye tissue anatomy

Best's Disease - This is a genetic condition caused by the inability of the cells at the macula to regenerate properly. The result is a buildup of yellow pigment at the macula.

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Whether you are due an eye test, considering contact lenses, booking for your child or looking for hearing care, our friendly team is here to help.

We look forward to welcoming you to First Contact Opticians and caring for your eyes in your local community.

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