Heidelberg Spectralis 4D OCT Scanner

What Is a Heidelberg Spectralis OCT Eye scan?

An OCT scan is a non-invasive and painless medical imaging technique that allows your optometrist to see beyond the surface of your eye. Think of it like an ultrasound or a CT scan, but for your eyes. Just like how an ultrasound can create an image of a baby inside the womb, or how a CT scan can create a 3D view of the inside of your body, an OCT scan uses light to create a highly-detailed 4D image of the different layers of your eye. This helps our optometrists to see and diagnose conditions that may not be visible during a routine eye exam, and can also aid in monitoring existing conditions to ensure the best possible treatment. Overall, an OCT scan is a valuable tool in seeing the smallest changes to your eye health at the earliest possible stage.

What Happens During a Heidelberg Spectralis OCT Eye Scan?

The Heidelberg Spectralis OCT eye scan is fast, non-intrusive and does not present a bright flash of light or a puff of air. You simply sit down, pop your chin on the chin rest, and the eye is scanned in just a few seconds. You can blink normally, and as nothing touches your eye, there is no discomfort.

The entire process typically takes only a few minutes to complete and is completely painless. Once the scan is finished, the optometrist will analyse the images and discuss any findings with you. The images can also be stored and used for comparison in future visits to track any changes in your eye health.

What Conditions Does a Heidelberg Spectralis OCT Eye Scan Help to Diagnose?

The Heidelberg Spectralis OCT Eye scanner assists our specialist optometrists in detecting and diagnosing a multitude of eye conditions at the earliest possible stage. It is also ideal for the management and maintenance of pre-existing eye conditions, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. It's often called the "silent thief of sight" because there are typically no noticeable symptoms until the condition has advanced.

A Heidelberg Spectralis OCT Eye scan can help detect and monitor glaucoma by analyzing the thickness of the nerve fibre layer in the retina. By tracking changes in this layer over time, optometrists can identify the early signs of glaucoma and monitor the progression of the disease, allowing for early intervention and treatment to help prevent vision loss.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Macular degeneration is a common eye condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. It is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.

A Heidelberg Spectralis OCT Eye scan can help detect changes in the macula that may indicate the development of macular degeneration. By analysing the thickness and texture of the macula, optometrists can identify early signs of the disease and monitor its progression over time. This allows for early intervention and treatment to help slow or prevent vision loss.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages blood vessels in the retina and can lead to vision loss. It is a common cause of vision problems in people with diabetes.

A Heidelberg Spectralis OCT Eye scan can help detect changes in the retina that may indicate diabetic retinopathy. By analysing the thickness and texture of the retina, optometrists can identify early signs of the condition and monitor its progression over time. This allows for early intervention and treatment to help slow or prevent vision loss.

Cataracts

A cataract is a common eye condition that causes clouding of the lens in the eye, leading to blurry or dim vision.

A Heidelberg Spectralis OCT Eye scan can help detect the early signs of cataracts by analysing the density and opacity of the lens. By monitoring changes in the lens over time, optometrists can identify the development and progression of cataracts and determine the best course of treatment, such as surgery, to help restore clear vision.

Retinal Detachment and Vitreous Detachment

A Heidelberg Spectralis OCT Eye scan can also detect changes in the retina and the gel-like substance that fills the eye called the vitreous. These changes may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention, or a vitreous detachment, a common condition that can cause floaters and flashes of light in the vision.

By analysing the thickness and texture of the retina and vitreous, optometrists can identify these changes and determine the appropriate course of action to prevent further vision loss. Early detection and treatment of these conditions are critical to preserving vision and preventing further complications.

Who Should Have A Heidelberg Spectralis OCT Eye Scan?

Ideally, anyone who wants to proactively monitor their eye health and detect any potential issues early on may benefit from a Heidelberg Spectralis OCT Eye scan. Every patient should have this test during every eye examination as it is the most precise, most accurate way to see any changes in the eye no matter how small. But for those individuals who have been diagnosed or have a family history of eye conditions, have a higher risk of developing eye conditions or those experiencing vision problems; this is an essential part of your health check as it can reveal changes in the eye of which you may be unaware.

It is important to remember that perfect vision does not mean perfect eye health. Many conditions remain hidden until it is too late, and you begin having vision problems. If problems with your vision arise, this can often mean that significant damage to your eye has already occurred, and this damage may be irreversible. Including a Heidelberg Spectralis OCT eye scan in your eye examination assists in early detection, therefore, allowing for early treatment and a better outcome for patients.