spectral domain optical coherence tomography sd oct

Until a few years ago, clinically available OCT instruments used a technique referred to as time-domain OCT (TD-OCT) to obtain images of the ocular fundus. We also review issues related to how diagnostic tests should be evaluated in glaucoma and how SD-OCT results should be incorporated into clinical practice.ĭIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF SD-OCT IN GLAUCOMA In this review, we critically evaluate the existing literature on this topic. Several studies have been published evaluating the accuracy of different structural measurements obtained with SD-OCT for diagnosing glaucoma. The use of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) technology has enabled clinicians to obtain high-resolution images of the optic nerve head (ONH), RNFL and macular regions. Therefore, early identification of structural damage to the optic disc and RNFL is paramount for an early diagnosis of the disease. Previous studies have reported that from 25% to 35% of RGCs would need to be lost on average for statistically significant abnormalities to appear on standard automated perimetry (SAP) examinations. Although visual field testing has been widely used for diagnosis, staging and monitoring the disease, in many patients visual field losses only become detectable after a substantial number of RGCs has been lost. Loss of visual function in glaucoma is generally irreversible and, without adequate treatment, the disease can progress to disability and blindness.

Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and associated morphological changes to the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL).

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography sd oct