Which statement about Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) best describes its use in ophthalmology?

Which statement about Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) best describes its use in ophthalmology?

• A. It measures corneal thickness only
• B. It photographs the iris color
• C. It provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of retinal layers and the optic nerve
• D. It visualizes the posterior chamber through spectroscopy

Answer: (C)

Optical Coherence Tomography uses near-infrared light to create high-resolution, cross-sectional images that reveal the retina and optic nerve head in depth. This depth-resolved view lets you see and measure the individual retinal layers, especially the nerve fiber layer, enabling precise assessment of glaucoma risk and progression as well as macular diseases like edema or degeneration. The ability to quantify thickness and generate detailed maps is what makes OCT so valuable in monitoring eye health over time. Other options describe tasks that OCT does not primarily perform—measuring corneal thickness, photographing iris color, or visualizing the posterior chamber through spectroscopy—so the best description is its cross-sectional imaging of retinal layers and the optic nerve.

Optical Coherence Tomography uses near-infrared light to create high-resolution, cross-sectional images that reveal the retina and optic nerve head in depth. This depth-resolved view lets you see and measure the individual retinal layers, especially the nerve fiber layer, enabling precise assessment of glaucoma risk and progression as well as macular diseases like edema or degeneration. The ability to quantify thickness and generate detailed maps is what makes OCT so valuable in monitoring eye health over time. Other options describe tasks that OCT does not primarily perform—measuring corneal thickness, photographing iris color, or visualizing the posterior chamber through spectroscopy—so the best description is its cross-sectional imaging of retinal layers and the optic nerve.