OCT – Optical Coherence Tomography
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an imaging technology used in medicine for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. It uses light waves to generate cross-sectional images of tissues and organs, making changes within the body visible.
The functionality of OCT is based on interferometry, a physical principle that allows light waves to interfere with each other. An optical beam is sent into the tissue under examination, and another identical beam is used as a reference. The two beams are then interfered with to obtain information about the reflected light waves. The information is then processed and assembled into a cross-sectional image of the tissue or organ.
OCT has broad application in medicine, particularly in ophthalmology. With this technology, for example, damage to the retina, macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy can be diagnosed. However, OCT is not only useful in ophthalmology but also in cardiology, gastroenterology, and dermatology.
The advantages of OCT lie in its high resolution and non-invasive procedure. Compared to other imaging techniques such as X-ray or CT, OCT does not require ionizing radiation, which minimizes the risk of radiation damage. The resolution of OCT is very high, allowing doctors to detect even the smallest changes in tissue.
Another advantage of OCT is that it is fast and easy to perform. An OCT examination usually takes only a few minutes and requires no special preparation. In contrast, other imaging techniques such as CT or MRI require elaborate preparation and can be time-consuming.
In summary, OCT is a powerful technology in medicine that helps doctors diagnose and monitor diseases early. The technology has numerous benefits, including high resolution, a non-invasive procedure, and quick execution. Thanks to OCT, diseases can be detected early and treated specifically, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.