Optical coherence tomography of the retina and optic nerve - a review

Authors: Sakata, Lisandro M¹; DeLeon-Ortega, Julio²; Sakata, Viviane; Girkin, Christopher A³

Source: Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology, Volume 37, Number 1, January/February 2009 , pp. 90-99(10)

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Abstract:

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a rapid non-contact method that allows in vivo imaging of the retina, optic nerve head and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL). Since its introduction in Ophthalmology approximately a decade ago, the use of this technology has disseminated into the clinical practice. OCT has proven to be a useful ancillary tool for assessing retinal diseases because of its capability to provide cross-sectional images of the retina, and also to perform quantitative analysis of retinal morphology. In glaucoma, the OCT represents one of the methods capable of documenting and analysing optic disc and RNFL morphology in attempt to diagnose and monitor glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Recently, the spectral domain OCT became available, a new technique that allowed major improvements particularly regarding image acquisition speed and image resolution. Future studies will address how these major technological advances will impact the use of the OCT in research and clinical practice.

Keywords: optics; imaging system; glaucoma

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-9071.2009.02015.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal do Parana, Curitiba, 2: Department of Ophthalmology, Clinica Drs. Ponce, San Paulo, Guatemala; and 3: Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

Publication date: 2009-01-01