OCT produces cross-sectional images of eye structures without surgery. The scan area is selected for the clinical question, and results are interpreted alongside examination and other tests.
OCT may be indicated for reduced central vision; distorted straight lines; a central visual-field spot; suspected macular oedema; age-related macular degeneration; diabetic retinopathy; epiretinal membrane; vitreomacular traction; macular hole; glaucoma or suspected glaucoma; optic nerve disease; monitoring after treatment; or assessing disease progression.
When prescribed by an ophthalmologist, OCT may monitor patients with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma; age-related macular degeneration; diabetic retinopathy; macular oedema; after intravitreal treatment or retinal surgery; with optic nerve disease; epiretinal membrane; or vitreomacular changes.
For good images, maintain fixation, avoid eye movements where possible and follow the specialist's instructions.
Reduced visual acuity; distorted images; straight lines appearing curved; a central spot or darkness; difficulty reading; reduced contrast; unexplained visual deterioration; visual-field changes; or symptoms with diagnosed glaucoma or retinal disease. The doctor determines whether OCT specifically is needed.
The device optically scans the area without surgery or ionising radiation.
Optical coherence tomography provides cross-sectional and layered images of eye tissues with high spatial resolution.
OCT quality may be reduced by marked corneal opacity; significant cataract; vitreous opacities; poor fixation; pronounced nystagmus; inability to remain still; a very low-quality optical signal; or scanning artefacts. Poor image quality may require a repeat examination.
In case of a sudden sharp drop in vision; the appearance of a "curtain" or "veil"; a new large number of flashes; a sudden onset of many "floaters"; or pronounced pain;
OCT is not a standalone diagnostic test for glaucoma.
For glaucoma diagnosis, OCT is compared with optic-disc findings, intraocular pressure, the visual field and other data.
OCT does not show the functional visual field as perimetry does.
A normal OCT does not exclude all eye diseases. A red or yellow area on a printout is not a diagnosis. Built-in normative databases have limitations.
The clinical significance of the device’s colour maps cannot be determined without a doctor. OCT angiography does not completely replace fluorescein angiography in all clinical situations. Treatment decisions are not based on a single OCT image.
In high myopia, anatomical disc variations and other conditions, automated analysis may require especially cautious interpretation.
In some cases, the doctor may recommend pupil-dilating drops for image quality or an additional ophthalmic examination.
Special preparation is usually unnecessary.
Bring previous reports and images if you have had OCT before.
Monitoring particularly requires comparison of tests performed with comparable protocols.
OCT usually needs no special preparation.
The patient sits at the scanner, rests the head on the support and looks at a target.
Urgent ophthalmic care is required. OCT may form part of an urgent examination but must not delay in-person medical assessment.
OCT does not replace a comprehensive ophthalmic examination.
Book a consultation
The doctor or specialist determines which area needs assessment:macula;the optic disc;nerve fibre layer;anterior segment;vascular bed for OCT angiography.
Takes: 1 minute
The patient sits in front of the scanner.
Takes: 1 minute
The patient is asked to look at a light or another fixation target.
Takes: 1 minute
The scanner acquires a series of scans of the selected area.
Takes: 1 minute
The specialist checks:centration;signal quality;artefacts;correct segmentation;completion of the selected protocol.
Takes: 1 minute
The doctor assesses the images and quantitative measurements.
Takes: 2 minutes
The patient receives the examination results.
Takes: 2 minutes
OCT shows tissue structure and can reveal changes that a routine examination may miss.
Thickness and other measurements help the doctor assess the examined area more precisely.
OCT produces images through optical scanning without surgical access inside the eye.
Comparable repeat examinations reveal changes and help assess prescribed treatment.
Depending on the selected protocol, OCT helps assess the retina, macula, optic nerve and other structures in detail. Book the examination on an ophthalmologist’s recommendation, or arrange a consultation if you do not know which OCT protocol is needed. Book OCT
per eye
The exact OCT fee depends on the area examined and the protocol: macula, optic disc, nerve fibre layer, anterior segment or OCT angiography.
A team of experienced doctors across specialties.
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Candidate of Medical Sciences; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Optical coherence tomography provides cross-sectional and layered images of eye tissues with high spatial resolution.
The method analyses light reflected by tissues.
From the reflected signal, the scanner builds images that allow the doctor to assess anatomy and the thickness of individual layers in the structure being examined.
OCT is particularly useful in retinal and macular disease, glaucoma and optic-nerve disease.
Suitable systems can also examine anterior-segment structures.
Depending on the selected protocol, the examination helps assess:
OCT shows tissue structure; the doctor establishes the diagnosis after comparing the scans with the clinical findings.
Depending on the protocol, OCT can evaluate the macula and retina, optic nerve head, retinal nerve fibre layer and, on appropriate systems, structures of the anterior segment.
OCT is widely used in the diagnosis and follow-up of retinal and macular disease, glaucoma, optic-nerve disorders and other ophthalmic conditions.
OCT does not replace an ophthalmologist consultation.
Its findings should be interpreted by an ophthalmologist together with symptoms, clinical examination and other diagnostic data.
The specialist checks:
Individual scans are repeated if needed.
The patient receives the examination results.
If needed, the doctor may recommend:
Bring:
Bring previous scans and protocols.
Comparison helps assess changes over time.
The specialist may:
Do not interpret the image yourself.
The doctor determines:
A normal OCT does not exclude all causes of worsening vision.
The doctor may order:
OCT must be interpreted correctly, not just performed
A modern scanner produces many images, maps and measurements.
They gain diagnostic value through medical interpretation.
The ophthalmologist assesses:
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
