Pediatric optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan

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

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What is a pediatric optical coherence tomography (OCT) 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 optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan?

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

Conditions include:

Glaucoma - A buildup of fluid that damages the optic nerve
Optic neuritis - Inflammation and swelling of the optic nerve
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) - Autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation and swelling of the optic nerve

What are the side effects of a pediatric optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan?

There are no side effects with an OCT imaging scan.

What are the risks of a pediatric optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan?

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

What to expect with a pediatric optical coherence tomography (OCT) 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 a pediatric optical coherence tomography (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 a pediatric optical coherence tomography (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 a pediatric optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan?

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