gms | German Medical Science

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique first introduced for ocular examination in 1991. Over the past years the indications for the use of this method have continuously increased. Macular hole, macular pucker, vitreo-retinal traction syndrome, diabetic maculopathy, macular edema of different origin, age-related macular degeneration, and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) are currently the most frequent diseases under investigation. In glaucoma patients OCT can measure retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. Recently, first results of anterior chamber OCT were reported. Early models (OCT I and II) produced axial resolution at 12 - 15 µm. The present model (OCT III) has an axial resolution < 10 µm. Lately, first experiences with an ultra-high resolution prototype have been reported.

Increased precision of performance and imaging quality, however, cannot distract form the fact that OCT images are not histological sections. The acquisition and interpretation of OCT findings can be difficult and is dependent on the experience of the examiner. OCT provides information complementary to that obtained by clinical examination. Also, it cannot replace fluorescein angiography in many instances. Possibilities and limits of OCT will be addressed on the basis of relevant cases.