Full Form of OCT

What is OCT?

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses light waves to capture high-resolution cross-sectional images of biological tissues, most commonly the retina in ophthalmology. In India, OCT has become a cornerstone diagnostic tool in eye care, enabling early detection and monitoring of conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and retinal detachments. It is widely used in hospitals, eye clinics, and diagnostic centres across the country, from metropolitan cities to tier-2 and tier-3 towns, often as part of routine eye examinations or pre-surgical assessments. The technology works similarly to ultrasound, but uses light instead of sound, providing micrometer-level detail of tissue layers without any contact or radiation. OCT is also increasingly applied in cardiology (for coronary artery imaging) and dermatology (for skin lesion evaluation). For students preparing for NEET PG, AIIMS, and other medical entrance exams, understanding the principles, indications, and limitations of OCT is essential, as it appears frequently in ophthalmology and radiology sections. The adoption of OCT in India has grown rapidly due to its diagnostic accuracy and ability to guide treatment decisions, making it a standard of care in modern ophthalmology.

OCT का फुल फॉर्म

Example

The ophthalmologist performed an OCT scan to assess the extent of macular edema in the diabetic patient.

OCT — frequently asked questions