Opticians in Exeter & Ottery St Mary

OCT Scanning

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Topcon 3D OCT-2000 eye imaging machine with a computer screen displaying retinal scan results.

What Is An OCT Scan & How Does It Work?

Similar to how an ultrasound uses sound waves, an OCT scan uses light waves to take detailed images of the back of your eye, all the way to the optic nerve.

The image is 3D, which means our Optometrist can view the thickness of the layers that make up the back of your eye for a clear idea of your eye health. Even the tiniest of changes of the eye’s structure may indicate the early signs of an eye condition.

What Happens In An OCT Scan?

An OCT scan is quick, painless and simple to complete. Whilst at Pullen & Symes for your eye examination, if an OCT scan is to be carried out, you will be asked to sit in front of the machine with your chin on the rest. You will be directed to look towards a central point by our Optometrist and the machine will scan your eye without touching it. The scan takes an image of both of your eyes at the same time. You will see a small flash like the one from a digital camera, but there will be no lasting effects.
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What Are The Benefits Of OCT?

An OCT scan gives our Optometrist a baseline image of layers that make up your retina. As many eye diseases can develop without symptoms, this baseline image allows us to see what’s going on beneath the surface of your eye and monitor changes over time.

Even if your eyes appear healthy on the surface, an OCT scan can help us to detect eye conditions such as:

  • Glaucoma
  • Disorder of the optic nerve
  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Diabetic retinopathy

With these potentially sight-threatening conditions, the earlier they are detected the quicker treatment can be started to minimise their impact.

Further Eyecare Services

Contact Lenses

A comfortable alternative to glasses.

Ortho K Lenses

A therapy where corrective contact lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea.

Dry Eye Clinic

At our Dry Eye Clinic, we assess your symptoms, identify the cause, and provide effective treatment with a personalised care plan for lasting relief.

Eyewear & Lenses

All our team are trained and committed to ensure your needs are met and that our normal standard of eye care is one of optical excellence.
Smiling woman with light eyes holds round glasses near her face wearing an orange shirt indoors.