We’re retiring our OCT machine!
After 13 long years of service, we have decided to retire our tried and trusted Topcon OCT 1000 delivered to us in the summer of 2009. Thompson & Hardwick Optometrists, known as G R Hardwick Optometrists in 2009, were one of, if not the first, to take delivery of this revolutionary eye care diagnostic system and have used it to save the sight of many ever since.
What is an OCT Scan?
OCT technology, or to give it the full name of Ocular Coherence Tomography has now become one the most vital tools in the clinicians armoury to help diagnose a myriad of sight threatening diseases quickly and effectively. You’ll now find one in most opticians
Using infra-red light, rather like an ultrasound, the system rebuilds a 3D model of the eyes structures. This can then be manipulated to help your optometrist understand the state f your eye health. Conditions such as Macular degeneration, Glaucoma and retinal detachments can be diagnosed and monitored easily.
Do I need an OCT Scan?
OCT scans look for changes in the eye structures, it is an in-depth look at the health of the eye that would benefit anybody but particular those with disease risk factors such as diabetes, blood pressure, history of injury or a family history of eye disease. The OCT scan can even help to detect systemic diseases such as high cholesterol, arthritis and inflammation.
What does a new OCT scan offer?
Sadly, however, the current software, although still very effective, is now out of date and unsupported. Also, the control computer is creaking sat the seams under the weight sheer data of the last 13 years. It is, therefore, time to give it a rest and start afresh.
Soon we will take delivery of our new Topcon Maestro II with OCT angiography capability. We’re really excited to start using the new software and features that this advanced machine offers. It is quicker, more accurate and has a higher resolution, all of which means better images. The old data will still be available for direct comparison looking for eye health trends. With a measurement accuracy of less 0.01 of a millimetre we can track minute changes in eye health.
The added OCT angiography feature can even map individual blood vessel networks within the retina. This will allow us to detect early changes in diseases such as macular degeneration and diabetes. Vital in allowing us to intervene earlier, before the patient suffers symptoms.
Is an OCT scan Worth it?
Is it worth having an OCT every year?
We really can’t emphasis enough how detailed and invaluable the OCT scan is for safeguarding your eye health. Over our many years using this technology we have managed to prevent serious sight loss on numerous occasions. It really does make a difference.
If you have any questions or would just like a quick demo of data on the machine itself, please feel free to ask.