Inside an OCT Eye Scan
- js99661
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
An OCT machine might look a bit daunting at the beginning, but it is a quick, painless and important eye health check. You simply sit still and focus on a target while the scanner captures detailed images of the deeper layers of the eye, revealing changes not visible in standard exams. This helps monitor conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease. Ever wondered what it's like to get an OCT done?
How an OCT Scan Works
Similar to an ultrasound but using light, an OCT scan provides a cross-section image of the retina, allowing us to see beneath the surface. It can detect signs of various eye conditions and offers a baseline for future comparisons.
What to Expect During the Scan
Check out this video of what it looks like inside the machine...
We'll ask you to concentrate on the centre of the green cross and the machine will do the rest, even compensating for tiny movements you might make.
The Results
The scan produces detailed images of various structures in the eye. Here's an example of a disc and retinal scan that shows detail we can't visualise when we only take a photo of the surface.
And look at this 3D image we can create of your optic nerve head...
Why do we do OCTs?
At Goskirk Pettinger we believe in an expert eye test that gives you the time you need to explore your eye health in depth. We asked Dr Somerville about why he loves his OCT machine:
"I always tell my patients, 'if a job is worth doing, it's worth doing right!' and for me, a thorough eye exam means I look at everything in depth. An OCT scan assists me hugely in determining small changes over time, sometimes saving you unnecessary and worrying visits to the eye hospital, or even prompting an urgent referral when it is vitally important!"
OCTs are included in our private eye examinations or just £20 with an NHS eye exam. Call us or fill out a booking request form today
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