Understanding OCT Scans: A Closer Look at Your Eye Health
At Premier Eyecare Opticians, we’re dedicated to giving you the best eye care possible. That’s why we’re excited to tell you about Optical Coherence Tomography, or OCT. This amazing new imaging tool lets us see under the surface of your retina like never before.
What is an OCT Scan?
Think of an OCT scan as an “optical ultrasound.” Instead of using sound waves like a regular ultrasound, it uses light waves. This creates detailed, cross-section pictures of the different layers of your retina – the light-sensitive part at the back of your eye. This scan is quick and painless. It gives us a detailed 3D view, so we can see things we couldn’t easily see before. It’s like having a microscope for your eye, without any discomfort.
How Much Does an OCT Scan Usually Cost?
The price of an OCT scan can vary a bit depending on the optician. At Premier Eyecare Opticians, we usually offer it as an extra part of your regular eye exam for a small fee. At Premier Eyecare, we are currently only charging £19, it is usually £49. While it costs a little extra, the detailed information it gives us about your eye health is really valuable. We believe it’s a smart way to look after your vision. Please ask our team for the latest prices.
How Often Should You Get an OCT Scan?
A standard eye exam checks your vision and the front of your eye. An OCT scan looks deeper, at your retina. For most people, we recommend having an OCT scan every one to two years. However, you might need it more often if you have certain risk factors or eye conditions. For example, if eye problems like macular degeneration or glaucoma run in your family, or if we’ve seen something we want to keep an eye on, we might suggest more frequent scans. Our expert optometrists will advise you on what’s best for you.
Why Regular OCT Scans are So Helpful:
Getting regular OCT scans has many benefits:
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Find Eye Problems Early: One of the biggest pluses of OCT is that it can spot tiny changes in your retina that could be the early signs of serious eye conditions, such as:
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): OCT can find early signs of both wet and dry AMD, so we can start treatment sooner.
- Glaucoma: While regular glaucoma tests check eye pressure, OCT measures the nerve layer in your retina. This can help us find glaucoma and track it even before you notice any vision loss.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: For people with diabetes, OCT can show early damage to the blood vessels in the retina, allowing for timely treatment to prevent vision loss.
- Macular Holes and Epiretinal Membranes: OCT gives us clear pictures to help diagnose and monitor these conditions that affect your central vision.
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Better Monitoring of Existing Conditions: If you’re already being treated for an eye problem, OCT scans help us see how well the treatment is working and make any changes if needed.
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Good Record Keeping: The detailed pictures from the OCT scan give us a good record of your retina’s health. This helps us compare future scans and spot even small changes over time that we might miss with regular exams.
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Peace of Mind: Knowing you’ve had a thorough check using the latest technology can give you confidence about your eye health.
At Premier Eyecare Opticians, we believe in taking care of your eyes proactively to keep your vision healthy for life. The OCT scan is a powerful tool that helps us do this. We encourage you to think about adding this advanced scan to your next eye exam. Talk to our friendly team today to learn more about how OCT can help protect your eyesight. Your vision is what matters most to us!
OCT Scans can be booked at the Rotherham and Sheffield branches.
Frequently Asked Questions from Premier Eyecare Opticians
Do you offer free NHS eye examinations?
Yes! At Premier Eyecare Opticians, we’re happy to provide free NHS eye exams if you’re eligible. This includes people over 60, those with diabetes, and individuals with a family history of glaucoma. You may also qualify if you receive certain benefits. Please contact us to see if you’re eligible and to book your appointment.
How soon can I get an eye examination?
We know you don’t want to wait when you need an eye exam. That’s why we try to offer appointments quickly. In most cases, you can be seen within a few days of contacting us. Just give us a call or stop by, and we’ll do our best to find a convenient time for you.
Why is having an eye examination so important?
Eye exams do more than just check how well you can see. They also check the overall health of your eyes. Plus, they can sometimes help detect other health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Regular eye exams play a key role in finding and managing these conditions early, which is important for your overall health.
At what age can children have their eyes tested?
It’s a good idea to think about your child’s eye health early! We recommend that children have their first eye exam before they start school. This helps catch any vision problems early on so they can have the best start to their education. But if you have any concerns about your child’s vision at any age, don’t hesitate to bring them in. We can examine children of any age and use gentle testing methods to make them feel comfortable.
Taking care of your eyes is a vital part of your overall health. If you have any more questions or want to book an eye exam, please call us at [Your Phone Number] or visit us at [Your Address]. We’re always happy to help!
For any other questions, or to book an appointment, please contact us
