September 1, 2006 -- New and more advanced medical devices and instruments come out every year to aid doctors in helping patients better manage eye conditions and correct their vision. One such instrument is the Optical Coherence Tomographer (OCT). Discover Vision Centers is currently using this instrument at both their Independence and Leawood locations. Some of the eye diseases that are detected and managed with this instrument include macular degeneration, glaucoma and numerous others.
The OCT enables an eye doctor to look at a patient’s eye in ways that were never imagined before. By using light beams instead of sound waves, the OCT is able to re-create a 2-D anatomical image of the extremely small layers of the retina, the “seeing” part of the eye. The device is so advanced that it is able to obtain better image resolution than a CT or MRI scan. By using the OCT, the doctors at Discover Vision Centers are able to detect eye diseases and retinal anatomy changes much earlier. In addition, we are able to pinpoint the location to problem, which aids in determining the best treatment options for the patient. Another great aspect of the OCT instrument is that the images can be obtained without an invasive procedure or even touching the eye and it can be completed within a few minutes time.
One of the main uses of the OCT is to aid in determining what may be causing a patient’s vision to be degraded. We are currently using the OCT to determine if there are any potential unforeseen complications prior to cataract surgery or even Lasik. Discover Vision is also using the device to better understand and manage patient’s visual outcomes after cataract, Lasik and retinal eye surgeries. A great aspect of the OCT is that patients are able to view the images along with the doctor. This helps patients have an increased level of understanding about their eyes and what direction we are going with during the treatment and management process.
Not all patients need an OCT to determine what is occurring with their eyes, but having this instrument readily available to the doctors at Discover Vision Centers has been an excellent tool to better help our patients. If you or someone you know has had a change in vision or desires to find out more about their eye condition, please see your eye doctor soon for an appointment.
Discover Vision Centers is one of the country’s largest eye care centers offering ophthalmology, optometry and optical shop services in seven locations throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.
