Introducing The Heidelberg Spectralis OCT with Ultra-Widefield Imaging

We have recently added the Heidelberg Spectralis SD-OCT imaging system to our lineup of in-office diagnostic technology. The Spectralis SD-OCT allows us to obtain microscopic pictures of the retina to aid in detection and treatment of glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, age-related macular degeneration, and other retinal pathologies. It also allows us to image the front of the eye to monitor corneal diseases such as Fuch’s Dystrophy as well as narrow angle glaucoma.

SD-OCT (spectral domain optical coherence tomography) is a new diagnostic tool that provides images of the of eye structures, both front and back, of unprecedented quality. SD-OCT uses a principle similar to ultrasound, yet, instead of sound waves, uses infrared LASER light.  SD-OCT is 10 times more sensitive than ultrasound, with the ability to display objects as small as one hundredth of a millimeter wide. 

The Spectralis is the newest generation of SD-OCT LASERS and gives Dr. Bodkin the most detailed images of ocular pathology available in a manner that is comfortable for the patient, quick, and non-invasive.

In addition to the SD-OCT capabilities of our Spectralis unit, we have also added other modules to aid in our detection of ocular pathologies – BluePeak autoflourescence, ultra-widefield imaging, and multicolor imaging.

BluePeak autoflourescence uses blue LASER light and the natural fluorescent capabilities of certain cellular molecules to capture retinal images without the need for invasive dye. This is helpful in diagnosing and monitoring the progression of age related macular degeneration, plaquenil retinopathy, and other retinal pathologies.

Ultra-widefield imaging allows us to take the widest one-shot image of the back of the eye. This provides an evenly illuminated, undistorted, high contrast view of the peripheral retina. In some cases, this will allow Dr. Bodkin to review the health of your peripheral retina without the need for dilation!

Multicolor imaging utilizes three different wavelength LASERs – each selectively capturing diagnostic information originating from different retinal structures. This 3 part, high contrast, detailed image can be broken down into each component to look at different retinal pathologies. This provides much more insight compared to traditional white light retinal photography.

Adding the Spectralis SD-OCT is just another way we aim to provide the latest technology to care for our patients.  We are pleased to be the very first optometry office to bring this equipment to Mt. Pleasant, recognizing that the Spectralis is the new gold standard being used in research settings and by NASA.

Here is an 3D retinal image captured by Dr. Bodkin:

3D OCT Image