Abstract:
Introduction: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive optical technique used for
in vivo cross- sectional imaging of the optic nerve head and retina. OCT represents a commonly
used imaging technology in the evaluation of glaucomatous structural damage.
Purpose: To emphasize the fact that OCT is a valuable clinical tool for glaucoma diagnosis and
detection of progression.
Material and methods: There are different types of OCT. AS-OCT is a non-contact procedure
and is more user-friendly when compared to UBM. Time domain (TD)-OCT creates crosssectional images of anterior segment structures and it is used also in glaucoma and retina diagnosis.
TD-OCT also provides measurement tools to document and follow changes in the cornea, angle
and anterior chamber. Spectral domain (SD)-OCT - glaucoma assessment over the earlier
generation of time domain (TD)-OCT due to increased axial resolution and faster scanning speed
that lead to lower susceptibility to eye movement artefacts. SD-OCT is used for glaucoma
diagnosis, screening and detection of progression. The clinical utility of SD-OCT in glaucoma has
focused on the evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) parameters and allows for the
assessment of macular parameters (the highest concentration of retinal ganglion cells-RGC in the
retina = 50%).
Results: Visual Field (VF) remains the most important test to monitor progression of glaucoma.
OCT of optic disc/RNFL/macula using the same instrument with the software-based analysis can
be useful. OCT progression analysis cannot replace VF progression analysis. At present OCT
progression analysis is not age-corrected. Apparent OCT progression and VF progression are not
always correlated.
Conclusion: OCT of optic disc/RNFL/macula can be useful, but the diagnosis of glaucoma cannot
be made on the basis of OCT alone.
