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Retinal OCT, short for optical coherence tomography, is a scan that shows thin slice images of the retina. It uses reflected light to map retinal layers in seconds. Eye doctors use it to check the macula and the optic nerve area. The scan helps track changes over time, even before you notice symptoms.
read more about retinal oct scan ...You rest your chin on a stand and look at a target inside the machine. A light beam scans the retina and builds a cross-section image. The test does not touch the eye. Staying still for a few seconds helps keep the scan sharp.
OCT can show fluid, swelling, and small bumps under the retina such as drusen. It can also show a macular hole, an epiretinal membrane, or pulling on the macula. For glaucoma checks, the scan can measure layers near the optic nerve. Your eye doctor compares the pattern with symptoms and other tests.
The scan is quick and painless, though the light can feel bright. If pupils are small, drops might be used so the camera sees more. Vision can look a bit blurry for a few hours after dilation. Bring sunglasses for the ride home.
Your eye doctor reviews the images and explains what changed, if anything. Results are usually compared with earlier scans to spot slow shifts. If a problem shows up, the next step can be treatment, closer follow-ups, or referral to a retina specialist. Ask for a copy of the report if you want to track numbers over time.
No. OCT is an imaging test, while dilation lets the doctor look directly at the retina. Many visits use both, since each one shows different details.
Not always. Many scans work without drops, but dilation can help when pupils are small or when a wider view is needed. Your clinic will tell you what to expect.
OCT is used to follow macular swelling, macular degeneration changes, and membrane or traction issues. It is also used in glaucoma visits to watch nerve-related layers near the optic nerve.
The scan itself usually takes a few minutes. The full visit can take longer if you also have dilation, photos, or other tests.
1. What Is Optical Coherence Tomography? American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/what-is-optical-coherence-tomography. Date Accessed February 24, 2026.
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3. Optical Coherence Tomography. EyeWiki. https://eyewiki.org/Optical_Coherence_Tomography. Date Accessed February 24, 2026.
4. OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography). OHSU Casey Eye Institute. https://www.ohsu.edu/casey-eye-institute/oct-optical-coherence-tomography. Date Accessed February 24, 2026.
5. Retinal Disorders. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/retinaldisorders.html. Date Accessed February 24, 2026.