OCT Technology 

 

MATHER, L. (2012). OCT systems for ophthalmology. Laser Focus World, 4-7.

 

     This article outlines OCT, or optical coherence tomography, and its uses in the field of Ophthalmology. It begins by explaining the technology and emphasizing the benefits. For example, OCT technology is incredible in that “it is noninvasive; and it does not require any sample preparation or radiation” (Page 1, Mather.) Thus risk of harm through the procedure is minimized for patients. The article also outlines some possible uses. OCT can be used to check overall eye health, screen for possible diseases, and even examine the health of the optic nerve, all without invasive procedures. Especially for diabetic patients, cataracts and glaucoma are serious problems that can be diagnosed earlier with OCT.

 

     The article also presents the reader with a major problem that many practitioners face, which is the speed of OCT technology. With the certain range of patients that an ophthalmologist encounters, speed of capture is important. Taking precise measurements of the eye is theoretically impossible because of the numerous minute involuntary movements one’s eye makes. However, OCT technology is adapted for this problem and is being continually enhanced. The article finishes by noting significant achievements made possible by OCT and the future of this unique technology. The author quotes Chris Ritter, Senior Director at OCT Imaging at Carl Zeiss, who commented, “OCT resolution and scanning speeds will also continue to evolve upwards, and new wavelengths will likely reveal new aspects and attributes of ocular substructures” (Page 3, Mather.)

 

     Written by a science and technology editor for an esteemed optical magazine, this article is well-documented and cited. Although it is posted on a website not supported by a government or educational institution, its original source is a credible magazine associated with PennWell corporation, an established print and online magazine publisher. Lee Mather, author of this article, wrote the piece with information provided by various professionals in the field, founding it in fact and supported research.

 

     This article provided great foundation information for both my mentorship and my final project. It introduced a basis that I can build upon, especially if I focus on a certain disease. For example, if I were to research glaucoma, I could use this information on OCT systems to substantiate my research findings, or to raise awareness for screenings. Although this is not the central topic of my intended focus, it is a supplement that is sure to support my research.