Your eyesight is one of your most important assets, and at Tunnells, we know you want to take care of it. Since 1974, aside from it being our mission to find you the most distinctive frames in Worcester, we’re hyper-focused on providing clinical care that goes a level deeper.
That’s why we use OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography), to go that extra mile in providing a tailored service for all of our customers.
With a standard eye test, we cover a thorough eye check of the surface area. An OCT scan, however, helps us to delve even deeper. By using this hospital-grade technology within our own independent practice, we have the ability to catch anything that might not be visible to the naked eye.
What is an OCT Eye Scan?
An OCT is a bit like an ultrasound for your eyes, but it uses light waves instead of sound. The process is completely non-invasive, painless, and takes less than a minute.
Traditionally, during a standard eye test, the retinal camera takes a photo of the surface. Whereas an OCT scan provides us with a high-definition, 3D cross-section of your retina and optic nerve.
This enables us to see through the different layers of the back of your eye at a microscopic level, meaning we can get a true indication of what’s going on in there.
When Should You Have an OCT Scan?
This varies by individual as everyone’s eyesight journey is different, but here are some key indicators for when you might consider an OCT scan.
- For the Over 25s: We recommend a baseline scan for all adults. By capturing a perfect 3D "blueprint" of your eyes while they are healthy, we have a precise point of comparison for every check-up in the future.
- Family History: If Glaucoma or Macular Degeneration runs in your family, this isn't just an "add-on"—it’s your best line of defense.
- Ongoing Health Monitoring: Essential for those managing Diabetes or anyone experiencing new "floaters" or blurred patches in their vision.
What Can We Detect?
Knowing that we can detect disease early on gives us the advantage to help you manage any potential conditions before they affect your sight. Here are some things that an OCT scan can pick up on earlier than a standard eye test.
- Glaucoma: This often has no symptoms in the early stages. The OCT scan measures the thickness of the eye’s nerve fibres. By catching this early - before you even notice any changes - we can look at treatment options to help prevent further nerve damage.
- Macular Degeneration (AMD): AMD causes a gradual breakdown of the central part of the retina (which is responsible for sharp, detailed vision). The OCT scan can help identify the tiny deposits or fluid leaks that signal the start of AMD, allowing for much faster management.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: This occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the tiny blood vessels within the retina, leading them to leak or become blocked. We monitor the health of these vessels with precision, often catching changes before they impact your sight.
- Macular Holes & Detachments: These can develop when the vitreous (the clear, gel-like substance inside your eye) pulls away from the retina, potentially causing tears or holes that can lead to sudden sight loss. The OCT scan helps us spot this in real-time, spotting risks before they become clinical emergencies.
What to Expect During Your Scan
The process is as straightforward and pain-free as trying on a pair of Tom Fords. You’ll sit at the scanner, rest your chin, and look at a target light. There are no bright flashes, no physical contact, and—most importantly—no "puff of air" test.
Because we don't usually need to use dilating drops, you can go about your daily business as usual once we’re done. After the scan, we’ll sit down together and walk you through your 3D eye map on the screen so you can see exactly what we see.
Is it Worth It?
In our opinion, your vision is your most important investment. At Tunnells Opticians Worcester, an OCT scan is a £10 supplement to your eye examination.
As a family-run independent, our focus is on you as the individual, and making sure we’re providing the best possible care. We’ve invested in this tech because it allows us to be 100% certain about your eye health. It’s about more than just a prescription; it’s about the peace of mind that comes from knowing your vision is being looked after by experts who care about the details.
Ready for a deeper look? Upgrade your next eye exam to include an OCT 3D Scan.
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