OCT is an imaging method used to generate a picture of the back of the eye, called the retina. The picture is made by precisely measuring the amount of a dim red light that reflects off the retina. OCT is routinely used to image the eyes of patients with glaucoma.
The thickness of the nerve layer in the retina is easily measured with OCT. OCT is therefore being tested as a new way to follow patients with MS and test their recovery and response to treatments.
The participant rests their chin on the machine, and has to look into a lens. Nothing touches the eye. The OCT scan takes just a few minutes per eye.
The OCT scan is very simple and just takes fifteen to twenty minutes.
Participants are also asked to undergo a bedside neurological exam (if not already performed by their doctor) and vision testing (reading a special eye chart).
As your pupils will have been dilated, your vision will be blurred for four to six hours afterwards.
You should have someone ready to accompany you home.
Do not drive after the scan.
OCT scans may need to be repeated regularly to monitor response to treatments or changes in your eye condition.