Our New OCT Eye Test Technology

Nigel Robinson on November 27, 2024

Image of an optical coherence tomography machine with the text ‘Optical Coherence Tomography.

Experience Our New OCT Eye Test Technology

We’re thrilled to introduce our new OCT eye test technology. Investing in your eye health is important to us, and this state-of-the-art equipment gives us a closer, more detailed look at your eyes. It allows us to detect potential issues early and take action quickly. With OCT, you’re in great hands when it comes to protecting your vision.

What is OCT?

What is OCT?

An Optical Coherence Tomography scan or OCT is like an ultrasound for your eyes—except it uses light waves instead of sound. It’s non-invasive and painless, capturing incredibly detailed images of your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. This means we can identify conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy often before you even notice symptoms.

Key features of our new OCT machine

Key features of our new OCT machine

Our new Topcon Maestro OCT machine comes packed with standout features designed to benefit you:

  • Panoramic Fundus Imaging: See your retina in full detail, giving us a clearer view of your eye’s health. Instant Vascular Information: See the health of your eye’s blood vessels instantly—ideal for spotting early signs of diseases like diabetic retinopathy.
  • True-colour photography: Enjoy ultra-clear, true-to-life images of your eyes, which make it easier to detect and monitor changes over time.
  • Fully Automated Image Capture: The machine does all the hard work so that we can  capture accurate images quickly and comfortably during your eye test.
  • 3D Glaucoma Scans with Reports: We get a precise 3D view of your eyes, helping us test for glaucoma with exceptional accuracy.

How does this help you?

How does OCT help you?

These features aren’t just impressive—they make a real difference  to your eye care. Early detection means we can catch eye diseases before they cause lasting harm. High-quality images and detailed reports allow for better monitoring and personalised treatment plans. Plus, with its advanced automation the test is quicker and more comfortable than ever.

See the difference today

Taking care of your eyes doesn’t have to be complicated. Our OCT eye test is an easy, proactive way to stay on top of your vision health. Book your appointment today at our opticians in Whitley Bay and discover the benefits of advanced eye care!

Decoding Glaucoma With OCT

Nigel Robinson on March 5, 2024

Decoding glaucoma with OCT

Glaucoma is a condition that can have serious consequences on your vision. It unfortunately affects a large proportion of the population, with studies showing around 480,000 people in the UK suffer from the most common form of this condition – open-angle glaucoma.

What is Glaucoma?

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a chronic condition that occurs when excess fluid builds up in the eye due to poor drainage. This increases the internal eye pressure, causing irreversible damage to the optic nerve, which, if undetected and untreated, can lead to vision loss and blindness.

What are the risk factors?

There are several risk factors associated with the development of glaucoma. Glaucoma is usually found among people who are:

  • In upper age brackets, particularly over 60s
  • Of Asian, African or Caribbean origin
  • From a family with a history of glaucoma
  • Are suffering from diabetes, short or long-sightedness or high blood pressure.

The different types of glaucoma

There are several different types of glaucoma. The most common type is primary open-angle glaucoma. Onset is slow but progressive due to the drainage channels in the eyes becoming gradually blocked.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is less common and is caused by a sudden blockage, raising the pressure in the eye very quickly, causing symptoms and damage to occur rapidly.

Secondary glaucoma is caused by an underlying eye condition such as uveitis, and childhood glaucoma is a rare development caused by a genetic abnormality.

Glaucoma symptoms

Glaucoma symptoms

Due to the slow, creeping nature of open-angle glaucoma, you might not be aware of any damage until it has significantly progressed, resulting in reduced peripheral vision.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma, however, will have symptoms that you must not ignore. It is considered a medical emergency if you are experiencing:

  • intense eye pain and tenderness
  • nausea/vomiting
  • red eyes and headaches
  • seeing rings around lights
  • blurred vision.

Test for glaucoma

Regular eye exams (at least every 2 years) are vital, especially for those over 60 – or annually if there’s a family history of glaucoma. While damage is irreversible, early detection can slow down the progression of symptoms and can help manage the condition.

A glaucoma eye test may include an OCT (optical coherence tomography), which is a non-intrusive 3D scan of the eye. The OCT takes multiple images, layering them together to provide optometrists with an instant image of the back of the eye, including the retina. An OCT can detect glaucoma in its earliest stages, up to 5 years before a standard eye test can.

Your local opticians, Whitley Bay

At Robinson Optometrists, we want our patients’ eyes to be in the best shape possible. If you haven’t had an eye test recently or have any concerns, please get in touch for advice or to book an appointment.