Heidelberg Engineering Spectralis OCT

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-contact medical imaging technology similar to an ultrasound. With OCT, reflected light is used to produce detailed cross-sectional and 3D images of the eye.

Specifically, the OCT uses a beam of light which is split in two. The reference beam bounces off a mirror in the device whilst the second beam passes through the pupil and is reflected off the layers of the retina. OCT is 10 times more sensitive than an ultrasound and has the ability to display objects as small as one hundredth of a millimetre wide.

The Spectralis OCT simultaneously measures multiple wavelengths of reflected light across a spectrum. It is 100 times faster than the older domain OCT devices and it acquires 40,000 A-scans per second. This high speed image acquisition is combined with custom TruTrack technology to actively track the eye during imaging. Tracking eye movement minimises motion artefact, enables noise reduction and allows the device to precisely track change over time.

Why do we use it?

The Spectralis OCT is an extremely useful diagnostic tool that we commonly use in the management of Macular degeneration, Glaucoma and other retinal abnormalities. The Spectralis technology delivers point-to-point correlation between fundus and OCT scans and exceptional detail and clarity, allowing us to confidently detect and assess any small changes.

OCT is helpful in both the diagnosis and management of responses to treatment. The nerve fibre analysis has pioneered the way we manage glaucoma and it really has become the gold standard for managing change in Wet Macular degeneration.

We consider the Heidelberg Spectralis OCT to be the “Rolls Royce” of the ophthalmic medical imaging technology, where no other device can match the clarity or precision achieved on this machine. In addition, the Heidelberg Spectralis OCT is the only device on the market that has the ability to also take Fluorescein angiography and auto fluorescence photography. These features enable us to simultaneously conduct a fluorescein angiography and take live OCT shots. This provides us with highly valuable information that ensures we can deliver the best possible level of care to our patients.