The macula is the part of the retina that is particularly important for sharp vision. When there are disease-related changes in this area, they are usually caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
In the dry form of AMD, metabolic problems occur in the retina of the eye and under it, affecting the work of the vision cells. The dry form of AMD usually develops imperceptibly and can affect vision.
The wet form of AMD, on the other hand, progresses much faster and manifests itself in smaller or larger distortions in the field of vision. The risk of disease increases with age and depends to a great extent on hereditary predisposition. If the symptoms of the wet form of AMD are detected early enough, there are a number of effective treatments available today that seek to prevent permanent vision damage.
Coherent optical tomography (OCT) is a novel imaging technique. This study automatically analyses the different structures in the eye in which AMD may have caused changes. These are, for example, the point of visual aquity or the fovea and its surrounding structure, which is called the macula. Because these structures are miniature, it is usually difficult to detect disease-related changes using conventional methods. The Spectralis® OCT scan makes it easier for your ophthalmologist to track down the problem.
The Spectralis® OCT scan allows the detection of pathological changes in the ocular fundus quite early – before the changes begin to affect your vision. Because of this, treatment can be started earlier.
If you have already been diagnosed with the dry form of AMD, the Spectralis® OCT scan can be used to monitor your condition precisely and detect changes.
The wet form of AMD can be treated with injections. The treatment aims to prevent further deterioration of vision. Subsequent correction procedures can be performed. With an OCT image, your ophthalmologist can determine if the conclusions are stable or if a new course of treatment is needed.
