Colchester Ophthalmologist’s vision of the future
Patients with ophthalmic conditions can dramatically
benefit from a revolution in imaging technology. Mr James
Sheldrick, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Oaks Hospital, Colchester,
explains:
A new era in ophthalmology has begun, as technology brings
wonderful new ways to see the structures of the eye. Driven by
developments in macular degeneration treatment, OCT (Optical
Coherence Tomography) uses light to safely, painlessly and
non-invasively examine the eye in ways never before possible.
Rather than just looking at the surface of the retina, OCT uses
light to show three-dimensional cross-sections of the eye, like an
ultrasound. Since light has a much shorter wavelength than sound,
the resolution of current instruments can discern tissue structure
down to five microns. This enables OCT to almost give a
histological cross section, enabling us to see layers of the retina
and very early stages of pathology such as wet age-related macular
degeneration, which is so important in treating this devastating
condition.
The diagnosis of many ophthalmic conditions can be enhanced by
OCT, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein
occlusion, macular holes, vitreomacular traction and retinoschisis.
Glaucoma can be detected in some cases up to four years before the
onset of visual field loss, which OCT has shown can occur at a much
later stage of the disease process than previously thought -
studies suggest that up to 80% of the optic nerve fibres may be
lost before visual field loss occurs.
While OCT does not make the diagnosis (at least not yet!), it
helps specialists to monitor and manage eye diseases in an
informed, evidence-based way, by allowing us to directly measure
change and response to treatment.
Patients, as well as ophthalmologists, are delighted to see the
pictures of their own eye condition, to help them understand their
treatment options and goals. The vision of the future is with us
today!
For more information on OCT, contact Mr James Sheldrick at
mrsheldrick@btinternet.com.
Further information