OCTA represents next step in imaging technology

OCT uses a relatively long wavelength near infrared light to create a three-dimensional high-resolution cross-sectional image of tissue. The light collected to create the images is reflected or backscattered from the tissue. OCT can image both transparent and opaque tissue and routinely penetrate 500 µm to as much as 1,000 µm into tissue. A typical OCT device used in an ophthalmology practice today has a resolution in the 10-µm range. Thus, a single cell such as a retinal ganglion cell, photoreceptor, retinal pigment epithelial cell or corneal epithelial/keratocyte/endothelial cell can be imaged.This technology, provided to ophthalmologists primarily by Zeiss, Heidelberg, Topcon and Optovue has revolutionized our diagnostic capability. Nearly every ophthalmology practice in the U.S. utilizes OCT on a daily basis in the clinic and even in the operating room for femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. Now we have even more exciting advances coming to enhance our diagnostic ability.