Optical Coherence Tomography
Optical Coherence Tomography (pronunciation: op-ti-cal co-her-ence to-mog-ra-phy) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of your retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye.
Etymology
The term "Optical Coherence Tomography" is derived from the following words: "Optical" (from the Greek word "optikos" meaning "of sight"), "Coherence" (from the Latin word "cohaerentia" meaning "sticking together"), and "Tomography" (from the Greek words "tomos" meaning "slice or section" and "graphein" meaning "to write").
Procedure
Optical Coherence Tomography involves using light waves to create detailed images of the retina. This allows doctors to measure the thickness of each layer of the retina and helps in diagnosing and monitoring certain eye conditions and diseases.
Related Terms
- Retina: The light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye.
- Macula: The part of the retina responsible for central vision.
- Glaucoma: A group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve.
- Macular Degeneration: A medical condition which may result in blurred or no vision in the center of the visual field.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: A diabetes complication that affects eyes.
Applications
Optical Coherence Tomography is used in several medical specialties, including ophthalmology, cardiology, and gastroenterology. In ophthalmology, it is used to diagnose and monitor diseases such as Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, and Diabetic Retinopathy. In cardiology, it is used to visualize the coronary arteries and assess the buildup of plaque. In gastroenterology, it is used to visualize the gastrointestinal tract and detect abnormalities.
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