Laser Macula Analysis (OCT) in Manlius and Syracuse, NY

Macular thickness is the measurement of the thickness of the central part of the eye’s retina. It’s a reliable indicator for diagnosing and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments for ocular diseases that affect the macula, such as macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. Macular thickness can be measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

At Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C., we offer a full lineup of comprehensive vision services at our eye care centers in Manlius and Syracuse, NY, including abnormal macular thickness assessment. Discover more about this pain-free imaging technique and the level of care you can expect from our optometry practice.

What Is Optical Coherence Tomography?

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses light waves to create high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina and other eye tissues. The instrument captures about 100,000 images in one second. The results are averaged, resulting in an accuracy of measurement within one micron accuracy (a human hair is 200 microns thick). An eye health specialist may suggest an OCT if a patient is showing symptoms associated with certain eye conditions, or if the eye doctor sees evidence of certain conditions during an eye health examination. People at a higher risk of age-related eye problems or other eye diseases may be recommended to add OCT as a part of their annual eye examinations to compare any changes over time.

Optometrists rely on OCTs to diagnose and monitor several eye conditions involving the macula, the part of the retina at the back of the eye that controls central vision and fine details. These eye conditions include:

• Macular hole: This is a break in the macula that can result in blurriness of the central vision.
• Macular pucker: This is a layer of scar tissue growing on the surface of the retina, causing distorted or blurry vision.
• Macular edema: This means fluid buildup in the macula, causing it to swell and create vision deficiencies.
• Age-related macular degeneration: This is a chronic eye disease that damages the macula as a person ages, causing vision problems.

The imaging technique can also help doctors detect and monitor various other eye diseases and abnormalities, including:

• Glaucoma: Eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve
• Central serous retinopathy (CSR): An eye condition that causes fluid to build up under the retina and impair vision
• Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to blood vessels in the retina caused by high blood sugar
• Hypertensive Retinopathy: Damage to blood vessels in the retina caused by high blood pressure
• Vitreomacular traction: A condition that occurs when the vitreous, the jelly-like fluid that fills the eye, pulls on the macula, causing blurred vision
• Abnormal blood vessels
• Blood vessel blockage
• Drusen: Proteins, lipids, and cellular debris that appear as small yellow or white spots in the retina

About Our Abnormal Macular Thickness Testing

At Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C., we use the latest instruments and eye health equipment to provide patients with outstanding vision services. Our eye care centers house advanced OCT machines that our board-certified optometrists use to provide outstanding care for patients.

Before the examination begins, you will meet with our team to go over the procedure and address any concerns or questions. Doctors will position you in front of the machine, where you will rest your head on the support. You will be instructed on the next steps and asked to look in certain directions and focus on a target within the scanner. 

OCT is a non-contact procedure that doesn’t hurt and doesn’t impact the tissue being imaged. Patients may be administered dilating eye drops before the scan to make it easier to examine the retina and produce clearer images. These drops may cause patients to be sensitive to light for a few hours after the procedure. The entire scanning process takes five to 10 minutes. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the test. 

Following the imaging procedure, the doctor will discuss the results with you and advise you on the appropriate course of action, including treatment. Doctors may recommend vision therapy to address vision deficiencies and improve visual abilities. This non-invasive, non-surgical treatment option involves a series of vision exercises and activities that can help with a range of visual setbacks.