Pediatric Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Imaging Scan

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a painless, simple way to detect certain diseases that affect a child’s vision. We make it easier for your child to undergo all the diagnostic tests they need by having our advanced equipment in one location.

What is a Pediatric OCT Imaging Scan?

OCT, or optical coherence tomography, is a type of imaging eye scan that uses light waves to produce images of the retina and optic nerve. The retina is a thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the back of the eye. It receives and sends visual information to the brain through the optic nerve.

An OCT scan produces a 3D image of the retina, which allows your child’s doctor to:

  • Make a map of the eyes
  • Measure the thickness of the tissue layers in the retina
  • See the optic nerve more clearly
  • View all tissue layers of the retina

What are the benefits of a Pediatric OCT Imaging Scan?

Our doctors use OCT to diagnose eye conditions and monitor disease progression and the effectiveness of treatments. Conditions include:

What are the side effects of a Pediatric OCT Imaging Scan?

There are no side effects with an OCT imaging scan.

What are the risks of a Pediatric OCT Imaging Scan?

OCT eye scans are very safe. The scan is painless, and the light waves aren’t harmful.

What to expect with a Pediatric OCT Imaging Scan?

OCT imaging works like an ultrasound, except the machine uses light waves instead of sound waves to take images. It rapidly takes images of tissue layers and the optic nerve as light waves enter the eye.

What to expect during an OCT scan?

An OCT scan takes less than 10 seconds. We know that can seem like a long time to a child. Our technicians have a special knack for putting kids at ease as they get this quick and pain-free eye scan.

During an OCT scan:

  • Your child sits in a chair in front of the OCT scanner and rests their chin on a support bar.
  • Your child presses one eye against a soft, padded scope. Nothing will touch your child’s eyeball.
  • The machine quickly emits red light waves and captures images of the retina and optic nerve. Your child will be asked to look at certain color lights.
  • Your child repeats these steps for the other eye.

What to expect after an OCT scan?

Your child’s doctor will read the results of an OCT scan and share the results with you. Depending on what the scans show, your child may need additional tests like blood work or an MRI to help us make an accurate diagnosis.

In addition to diagnosing problems with your child’s retina, we also use OCT imaging to monitor diseases that can affect vision and ensure that treatments are working as they should.

What questions should I ask my provider about Pediatric OCT Imaging Scan?

  • Should my child stop taking medications before getting an OCT scan?
  • Can I stay with my child during the OCT scan?

Pediatric Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Imaging Scan Doctors and Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why does my child need an OCT scan?

    Your child may need an OCT eye scan if they have conditions that affect the retina or optic nerve, or they have symptoms like:

    • Eye pain
    • Light sensitivity
    • Vision problems
    • Certain medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis or neuromyelitis optica
  • How long does an OCT scan take?

    An OCT scan takes less than 10 seconds. We know that can seem like a long time to a child. Our technicians have a special knack for putting kids at ease as they get this quick and pain-free eye scan.