OPTIQUE OF SOUTHWELL
Optical Coherence Tomography
At Optique of Southwell, we use Optical Coherence Tomography—one of the most advanced diagnostic tools in modern eye care. This non-invasive scan creates detailed 3D images of your eye's internal structures, allowing us to detect conditions that a standard eye test simply cannot reveal.
WHAT is Optical Coherence Tomography?
We recommend OCT scanning as part of your regular eye examination, particularly if you're over25, have a family history of eye disease, or have diabetes. Speak to our team to add an OCT scan to your next appointment.
OCT - Optical Coherence Tomography
OCT uses light waves to capture cross-sectional images of your retina, optic nerve, and surrounding tissue—similar to how ultrasound uses sound waves, but with far greater precision. The result is a detailed map of layers beneath the surface of your eye, measured in microns.Each scan takes just seconds, involves no contact with your eye, and produces images we store as a permanent record. This means we can compare scans over time to spot the earliest signs of change.
why it matters
Many serious eye conditions—including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy—develop silently. By the time you notice symptoms, irreversible damage may have occurred. OCT can detect these changes up to five years earlier than traditional methods, giving you the best chance of preserving your vision through early intervention.
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Glaucoma–thinning of the nerve fibre layer before vision loss begins.
Age-related macular degeneration–changes to the macula affecting central vision.
Diabetic eye disease–swelling and damage caused by diabetes.
Macular holes and membranes–structural problems affecting sight quality.
Vitreous detachments–separation of the gel inside the eye from the retina.
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The scan is completely painless. You'll sit comfortably and look into the device while it captures images in seconds. No drops, no puffs of air, no discomfort. We'll then walk you through your results and explain exactly what we see.
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Our OCT scanner captures detailed images beneath the surface of your eye, detecting conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration years before symptoms appear. Painless, fast, and available at every comprehensive eye examination.
