Visante OCT

First OCT in Washington and NW Oregon:Will Vision & Laser Centers continues to lead the way in providing state-of-the-art advanced micro-imaging technology for the Pacific Northwest. As part of our ongoing commitment to safety and accuracy, Will Vision and Laser Centers is pleased to introduce the Visante TM Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to the region.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT):uses light energy to provide very high-resolution images of the cornea and anterior segment of the eye. OCT is particularly useful in the eye because soft tissue cannot be accurately imaged using conventional X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is also more functional than confocal microscopy because it can provide images of the entire anterior portion of the eye at once. It also does not require any contact with the eye making the test easy for the patient.

How OCT Works: OCT uses an interferometric, non-invasive optical tomographic imaging technique that provides millimeter penetration with sub-micrometer axial and lateral resolution.   As a result, we are able to obtain high-resolution, non-contact optical images of the cornea and anterior portions of the eye.

Essential New LASIK Information: The ability to accurately measure the thickness of the flap and residual cornea is essential in order to perform safe LASIK surgery. Specifically, without that information, it is difficult, if not impossible, to accurately assess the wisdom of electing to proceed with an enhancement laser procedure. 

Visante OCT is the first non-contact device to image, measure and document both corneal flap thickness and residual stromal thickness across the entire cornea immediately following LASIK surgery. A unique flap tool in the analysis mode enables quick measurements of flap and residual stromal thickness at any location. And because the Visante OCT is a completely non-contact system, the stability and safety of LASIK flaps are not compromised.

Preoperative Corneal Imaging and Pachymetry: Certain eye conditions are not suited for laser vision correction, particularly very thin corneas or eyes predisposed to keratoconus. The OCT provides high-resolution corneal images that are particularly useful in screening for these conditions. In many cases, OCT is the only current technology that can ensure that the information used by the surgeon for pre-operative screening is both accurate and reproducible, making it an essential device for laser vision correction centers.

No Contact with the Eye: In the past, in order to obtain detailed information about the cornea it was necessary to contact the eye requiring the use of anesthetic eye drops or immersing the eye into a messy, time consuming water bath. The Visante OCT system is the first to provide clear, highly detailed, in-depth images without the need for contacting the eye.