Eyecare is probably relegated to the bottom of the to-do list for many, but Specsavers has recently rolled out a new hospital-quality scan which will provide customers with a level of eyecare beyond what has been previously available.
The optical coherence tomography 3D scanner (OCT) allows your Specsavers optician to obtain a more comprehensive and precise image of the eye’s structures to ensure that any early signs of deteriorating eye health can be spotted before symptoms develop – by up to four years in many cases.
Kevin Gleeson recently tested the scan in Specsavers Blanchardstown and ophthalmic optician Shirley Mill talked him through the procedure and its many benefits.
What does the OCT 3D scanner do?
Shirley explained the main purpose of the scan is to provide early detection of any problems with your sight so that they can be treated before you develop any symptoms. The scan takes a picture of the back of your eye, capturing images of your retina and certain other structures such as your optic disc and your macula.
The scanner then turns that image on its side and cuts through it so that your optician can see all of the different layers that make up your retina. If problems start to develop in this area of the eye they often start at the bottom layers before making their way to the top. By the time traditional optical images detect these issues they can be at quite an advanced stage making treatment less effective.
What is the OCT scan looking for?
The scanner is essentially looking for any abnormalities at the back of the eye, Shirley told me. Abnormalities can be signs of conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or may signify macular degeneration. Your macular function is the part of your eye which you use to focus so it is one of the most important parts of your eye, she says. Often as we get older the macular can start to degenerate and the OCT scan can detect this before you start showing any symptoms enabling your optician to provide early treatment and helping to prevent potential sight loss.
The scan can also take a look at your disc which is where the optic nerve connects your brain with your eye. This can show if there are any issues in the area such as swelling or lack of definition, Shirley explains. Any problems which may be detected in the disc area of the eye can not only relate to the health of your sight but they can also be symptoms of a neurological condition too.
How long does the test take?
The test doesn’t take very long at all. It can be done in addition to your normal eye test or as a stand-alone service and takes roughly about five minutes.
Is the scan uncomfortable?
No it doesn’t hurt at all. Like most people, I was a little bit worried before having the scan in case it was intrusive in any way. Many of us don’t like the idea of having our eyes closely inspected but the scan itself wasn’t uncomfortable in any way. Clinical co-ordinator Alex put me completely at ease as she explained the procedure beforehand. Then placing my chin on the chin rest attached to the camera, all I had to do was focus on a green light and not blink for a two-second period as the scanner took images of each eye using infrared light. I didn’t feel a thing and it was over in a couple of minutes.
How does the OCT scanner work?
It uses light waves to take more than 1,000 images of the back of your eye all the way back to your optic nerve and of the surrounding areas, Shirley says. When these images are layered on top of each other they provide an accurate, cross-section view of your eye and its structures that wasn’t previously possible to obtain with traditional imaging methods. By being able to see all of the layers that make up your eye the optician can now get a much clearer idea of your eye health, making it easier to monitor for the earliest signs of any problems.
Who should be tested?
Shirley says diabetics, people with a history of problems with the back of the eye and anyone over 25 should make an appointment. It is recommended that all being well with your sight you should still make time every two years to book in for your OTC scan.
The test is currently available in almost half of Specsavers stores across Ireland so you can either call your local Specsavers or inquire in-store or online as to whether it is available yet in a branch near you.
