Glaucoma OCT Analysis      

Glaucoma is a progressive disease of the optic nerve that leads to irreversible visual loss. However, clinical studies have confirmed that early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma can slow the progression of permanent optic nerve damage and blindness.

Common conventional methods of evaluating the optic nerve are very subjective; doctors try to assess the optic nerve by way of diagrams to identify the glaucomatous cupping and damage. These methods do not provide exact quantitative measurements, and comparisons for subtle changes over time are very difficult. Regardless of their limitations, these methods are considered the current standard of care, and are covered by OHIP.

Now patients have a newer more advanced option: the Fourrier Domain Ocular Coherence Tomogram (OCT). OCT uses light interferometry to obtain high definition (5 micron) images to analyze the parts of they eye that are damaged by glaucoma (nerve fibre layer, and ganglion cell complex).

Follow up scan data are analyzed with progression software, which allows more subtle changes to be detected with greater certainty.

This helps Dr. Lane determine:

• When treatment is necessary
• When treatment should be modified

The OCT is not a laser, and is not harmful to the eye. The test is safe, and takes about 15 mins to complete; the patient looks at a light target, and is asked to blink or move the eye from time to time. Dilating drops are needed about 10% of the time, so it is best to come with a driver.