OCT in Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a chronic progressive optic neuropathy characterized by optic nerve head changes due to the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells. Diagnosing this structural damage early is crucial in managing glaucoma. Though it can be clinically assessed by optic nerve head (ONH) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) examinations, the introduction of optical coherence tomography (OCT) has allowed for supplemental objective and quantitative evaluation of ONH and RNFL changes. OCT is a noninvasive, noncontact technique that uses the differences in the optical properties of tissue structures to create an “optical biopsy” thereby providing high-resolution and cross-sectional imaging of the ONH, RNFL, and macula.