[Optic Nerve Head Diagnostics with Optical Coherence Tomography]

With a cooperative patient, examination of the optic nerve head using optical coherence tomography (OCT) is fast and easy to perform and facilitates identification and monitoring of different pathological changes in the optic nerve head.

Characteristic findings and scanning options are illustrated using case examples to simplify recognition of infrequent diseases of the optic nerve head and to facilitate treatment decisions using OCT results.

Pathological changes and characteristic OCT findings are shown for glaucoma, for different anomalies of the optic nerve head, for non-glaucomatous optic atrophies and for optic disc swelling for different reasons. The most suitable OCT parameters and examination modes are listed to differentiate between specific pathological changes.

Optic nerve head examination using the OCT facilitates rapid diagnosis of infrequent and hard to distinguish pathological changes, as well as exact monitoring of chronic progressive diseases of the optic nerve. Correct application and evaluation of results gathered using OCT examination of the optic nerve head facilitates accurate diagnosis and correct decisions.