Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an advanced, non-invasive imaging technology that utilizes light waves to capture high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the eye’s internal structures. By measuring the reflections of light, OCT imaging offers detailed views of the retina and other ocular layers, which are essential for diagnosing and managing conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Advances in OCT Imaging, including spectral-domain and swept-source technologies, have improved its speed and image quality, enabling more precise and comprehensive assessments. With its capacity to generate 3D images and detect subtle changes, OCT has become a crucial tool in modern ophthalmology, providing valuable insights into eye health and disease.
The principle of OCT is based on measuring the time delay and intensity of light reflected from different layers within a tissue. Using a technique similar to radar, OCT employs low-coherence light to capture high-resolution, cross-sectional images. Light is divided into a reference beam and a sample beam. When these beams reflect off the tissue and a reference mirror, they interfere with each other. The interference pattern is then utilized to construct detailed images of the tissue’s internal structure.
Over the years, OCT imaging has played a significant role in the field of ophthalmology. It is also used for diagnosing anterior segment diseases such as cornea and glaucoma. Since it is a non-invasive, non-contact, biomicroscopic device, it is easy to use, ensuring patient safety, providing accurate and faster assessments, and has become a standard inspection method in clinics.
Why OCT?
- High-Resolution Imaging: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of tissues.
- Minimal Invasiveness: Non-invasive procedure with minimal discomfort.
- Early Detection: Enhances early diagnosis of diseases.
- Accurate Monitoring: Offers precise tracking of disease progression.
- Enhanced Patient Outcomes: Improves treatment effectiveness and patient care.
- Efficient: It streamlines healthcare processes with rapid imaging as the OCT provides a 3D view of the retina, exact lesion location, isotropic view, and visibility of every layer of the retina and structural details.


The use of OCT as a non-contact and non-invasive imaging technique has increased in clinical research. OCT provides tissue images at a higher resolution than MRI or ultrasound and segmentation of the retinal layers plays a crucial role in clinical trials by allowing measurement of the thickness of the retina and disease progression, providing normative data.
OCT’s non-invasive nature, high resolution, and wide range of applications make it an indispensable tool in diagnosing and managing eye diseases. As technology advances, OCT is expected to play an even more significant role in enhancing our understanding of ocular health and improving patient outcomes.
Lambda’s Expertise in OCT Imaging
Lambda Therapeutic Research stands out in OCT imaging for clinical trials, having collected and reviewed over 9,000 scans using advanced system calibration and international standard software. Our team, including reputed ophthalmologists, is dedicated to enhancing patient health through precise imaging and support in macular degeneration.
In ophthalmology imaging, Lambda excels in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) imaging. We conduct independent assessments utilizing a range of modalities, including OCT (Cirrus, Spectralis, Optovue, Topcon), Fluorescein Angiography (FA), and Fundus Photography (CFP). Our integration with Orion ensures seamless analysis and interpretation, enhancing the diagnostic process.
Our comprehensive medical imaging services include Image Management, Independent Review, Project Management, and Study Start-up & Consultation. Lambda’s medical imaging services are distinguished by their ability to address imaging challenges in clinical trials, ensuring the efficient and timely delivery of high-quality imaging data through a well-defined workflow. Connect with our experts to leverage the extensive capabilities of Lambda Therapeutic Research.
References:
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2144/000112090
- https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/journals/journal-of-biomedical-optics/volume-19/issue-7/071412/Optical-coherence-tomography-today-speed-contrast-and-multimodality/10.1117/1.JBO.19.7.071412.full
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16638-0_3
- https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/11/17/5139
- https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/journals/journal-of-biomedical-optics/volume-19/issue-7/071412/Optical-coherence-tomography-today-speed-contrast-and-multimodality/10.1117/1.JBO.19.7.071412.full#_=_
- Choroidal Thinning as a New Finding in Alzheimer’s Disease: Evidence from Enhanced Depth Imaging Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography – Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/High-resolution-spectral-domain-optical-coherence-tomography-image-in-a-normal-subject_fig1_260430600