Regular eye exams are important in detecting early signs of diabetic retinopathy to prevent vision loss. Since diabetic retinopathy doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages, diagnostic testing can confirm damage in your retina.
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a type of eye condition that develops when high blood sugar (glucose) damages blood vessels within the retina of your eye. It’s a progressive condition that affects at least 50% of people with diabetes.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is one diagnostic tool an eye doctor may consider to detect DR. OCT can help a doctor diagnose DR and monitor its progression due to the detailed retinal images it produces.
Learn more about OCT and its role in DR diagnosis and management, as well as other important information you need to know about this eye disease.
Can an OCT scan detect diabetic retinopathy?
An OCT scan is one type of imaging test an ophthalmologist (a type of eye doctor) may use to help diagnose DR . This noninvasive eye test uses light waves to create detailed images of your retina, which is located in the back part of your eye.
During an OCT scan, an ophthalmologist can measure the thickness of each of your retinal layers and detect any abnormalities. The images the machine produces are 3D and may be in color or black and white.
The rapid nature of this imaging test allows the ophthalmologist to go over the results with you immediately and to begin or modify treatment, as necessary.
In addition to diagnosing DR, an OCT scan can be used to diagnose a number of other eye diseases, such as :
How is OCT used to manage the progression of diabetic retinopathy?
Doctors may periodically use OCT to help monitor the progression of DR. This is due to the detailed retinal images the exam provides.
An ophthalmologist can compare images of a recent exam to previous results to see whether any changes have occurred within the layers of the retina.
For example, new swelling of the retina could indicate blood vessel leakage, which may be a sign of disease progression.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan procedure
An OCT scan is a relatively fast procedure that is done in an eye doctor’s office. You will be asked to sit in front of an OCT scanner while a medical professional runs the equipment.
The scan takes just 5 to 10 minutes . In some cases, the medical professional may administer dilating eye drops before the scan. These eye drops may cause light sensitivity for several hours after the test.
What other tests are used to detect and diagnose diabetic retinopathy?
OCT is just one test an eye doctor may use to help detect and diagnose DR. Other possible tests include :
- Lab tests: A doctor may measure your fasting blood glucose , with 110 mg/dL or less considered a normal reading.
- Dilated eye exam: An eye doctor will dilate your pupils with eye drops and then examine your eyes for signs of retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye conditions. If your eye doctor diagnoses DR, they may suggest repeating this test every 2 to 4 months to help monitor your condition.
- OTC angiography (OTC-A): While a traditional OTC measures retinal layer thickness, and OTC-A produces images of retinal blood vessels and is considered an important tool to help measure disease progression.
- Fluorescein angiogram: Like OCT-A, this is an imaging test of the blood vessels within your retina. However, dyes are used during a fluorescein angiogram to produce these detailed images.
- Funduscopic (“fundus”) exam: This imaging test looks for possible signs of retinopathy, such as vein and artery changes, hemorrhages, and microaneurysms.
- Ultrasonography: Also called a B scan, an ultrasonography can help an eye doctor detect signs of retinal and vitreous detachment.
- Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test: This blood test shows your average blood sugar (glucose) level over the previous 2 to 3 months.
Signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy
DR doesn’t typically cause symptoms in its early stages. This is why regular diabetic eye exams and imaging tests are critical to preventing complications of this eye disease.
However, there are some notable signs and symptoms that may develop as DR progresses . Reach out to an eye doctor if you experience the following :
- problems with reading
- difficulty seeing objects that are far away
- blurry vision
- seeing dark spots
- spots in your vision that look like cobwebs
When to contact a doctor
If you have diabetes and are experiencing any changes to your vision, meet with a doctor for help right away. They may order a comprehensive eye exam, OCT, or other tests to diagnose or rule out DR and recommend the next steps.
It’s also important to contact a doctor if you have concerns about your blood glucose and other risk factors for DR development, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) or high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).
Medical professionals can recommend a treatment plan along with lifestyle changes that may reduce your risk of eye problems.
If your eye doctor does diagnose DR, follow your treatment plan and visit your eye doctor for regularly scheduled visits. Managing this eye disease may help prevent blindness and other complications.
Frequently asked questions about OCT and diabetic retinopathy
An OCT is just one tool an ophthalmologist may use to diagnose and monitor DR. Before undergoing this eye exam, consider discussing the following information with your eye doctor:
What is the physician looking for on an OCT in a person with diabetic retinopathy?
When an eye doctor orders an OCT for suspected DR, they are specifically looking for changes in your retina. In particular, a DR diagnosis may be made if the resulting images show signs of retinal and macular thickening as well as edema (swelling).
What are the OCT changes in diabetic retinopathy?
As DR progresses, blood vessels in the retina may leak fluids. An OCT scan may show such changes via retinal layer thickness and the presence of fluid.
Takeaway
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication associated with diabetes. It can potentially lead to blindness if left untreated. Early detection can help minimize vision loss.
This is why it’s important to keep up with your diabetes management plan and visit an eye doctor for regular exams. OCT is one tool an eye doctor can use to help detect DR in its early stages so you can begin treatment right away.
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