Envisu R-Class OCT Imaging for Preclinical Researchers

Optical Coherence Tomography, abbreviated OCT, is a non-invasive, contact-free imaging technique to detect and monitor morphological changes of ocular tissue.

Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SDOCT) is a particular implementation of OCT that collects all of the wavelengths of light at the same time using a specially designed spectrometer. Through judicious design of the spectrometer, selection of the light source, and implementation of mathematical techniques, SDOCT systems can be tailored to provide exceptional images for a wide range of research and clinical applications.

OCT employs interferometry, in which waves are superimposed in order to extract information, to create cross-sectional images. Using low-power, near-infrared light, the OCT system generates high-resolution, volumetric images of the internal tissue microstructures of cornea and retina.

OCT measures the reflectivity of tissue microstructures as a function of depth. A single vertical scan through the depth of tissue is called an A-scan. A 2D tomographic slice (or a series of A-scans), is called a B-scan, as in ultrasound. Multiple adjacent B-scans create a 3D volume. B-scans provide in vivo observation of ocular tissues, including all retinal layers. Longitudinal studies quantify retinal layer thickening and thinning.