Here at Maverick and Wolf, we’re committed to employing the latest and best technology to maximise our patient's eye health and ensure any problems with your vision are detected and managed as early as possible. One piece included in this range of equipment is our Zeiss optical coherence tomography (OCT) machine.

Carry on reading to find out why we selected this equipment, the benefits it can bring to patients, and how it transforms eyecare.

OCT is an imaging technique that provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of tissues within the eye. It is particularly useful when it comes to eye health because it can be used to create detailed images of the eyeball, enabling optometrists to examine the retina, optic nerve, and other structures of the eye that can’t be seen within a standard eye examination.

The OCT scan provides our optometrists with a 3D view of the back of your eye, enabling them to see all retinal tissue layers and analyse their thickness.
It’s a groundbreaking technology that enables us to detect and observe a range of eye conditions. The 3D images are so detailed that your optometrist can pinpoint the exact location of any changes or abnormalities in your eyes.

What happens during an OCT?

An OCT scan is non-invasive, so if you’re at all squeamish or nervous about medical interventions, you’ve got nothing to worry about.

The machine uses light waves to take multiple images, which get layered up to create the 3D cross-sectional view. The process is completely painless and only takes a few minutes. During the scan, you’ll place your head on a chin rest, and both eyes will be scanned. There will be a flash of light as the machine takes the images, and voila, you’re done. It’s as easy as that.

OCT is a fantastic technology that’s proven invaluable in the diagnosis and monitoring of a multitude of eye conditions.

For example, in the case of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), OCT can detect the presence of fluid or abnormal growth beneath the retina, allowing for early intervention and targeted treatment.

Similarly, in the management of glaucoma, OCT can measure the thickness of the retinal nerve fibre layer, providing valuable information about the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.

Other conditions OCT can detect include diabetic retinopathy, abnormal blood vessels, and blood vessel blockage. Because of its accuracy, it can detect the beginnings of these conditions up to 5 years earlier than standard eye examinations. Early detection of these eye conditions can be key in providing prompt treatment and preventing vision loss later in life.

The importance of regular eye examinations

Not everyone needs an OCT eye test, but it remains important for all of us to keep up with standard eye examinations. If you’re considered to have a higher risk of developing an eye condition, such as if you’re older, you’re a smoker, eye diseases run in the family, or you have diabetes, your optometrist might recommend an OCT. Not everyone needs an OCT; however, if you included it in your eye examination, the results can be stored in your patient record, and changes can be identified at each eye exam.

Book your eye exam

Regular eye examinations are the best way to ensure your eyes are healthy and your prescription is up to date. We encourage you to contact us today to book your next eye examination and an OCT scan. If you’re struggling to find us, just Google "eye examination near me".