What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a progressive disease of the optic nerve. It can be associated with elevated pressure inside the eye and can lead to permanent vision loss. Because there are usually no symptoms at first, glaucoma is called the  "sneak thief of sight." As the disease progresses, a person with glaucoma may notice his or her vision gradually failing.

Your doctor has recommended scanning your retina to evaluate possible signs of glaucoma.

For this procedure, your doctor will be using a highly innovative instrument called a Stratus OCT. This advanced-technology instrument never touches your eye, so there's no discomfort. It's safe and requires only a few minutes of your time. Most importantly, Stratus OCT helps your doctor to clearly see the internal structures of your eye, so problems can be treated before they progress. The unique view that your doctor sees with Stratus OCT is called a direct cross-sectional image of your retina.





What is direct cross-sectional retinal imaging?

The retina is the innermost lining of the inside of your eye. It is composed of several layers, and functions like the film in a camera. The lens of the eye focuses images on your retina, much like the lens of a camera focuses images on film. These images are transmitted to your brain by the optic nerve, enabling you to see.

Direct cross-sectional imaging is so named because it enables your doctor to look directly at a "cutaway" view of the layers of the retina and optic nerve, and accurately measure their characteristics. Other machines show the surface of these structures, but Stratus OCT shows your doctor what is below the surface.





Does this type of image help your doctor?

The best answer is, examining your retina without the Stratus OCT would be like trying to diagnose a broken arm without and x-ray, or a ruptured disc without an  MRI.






What does direct cross-sectional retinal imaging offer that's unique?

With Stratus OCT images of the layers of your retina and optic nerve,  your doctor can see and measure delicate structures and monitor any changes. Stratus OCT is the only instrument that provides these images, so its the ultimate tool for precise diagnosis and treatment.





What can direct cross-sectional retinal imaging tell my doctor about glaucoma?

Stratus OCT enables your doctor to perform three analyses for glaucoma. The test are:

 

	Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) Analysis
		Reveals the thickness of the layer of the retina that contains nerve fibers that travel up the optic nerve. If glaucoma is present, this layer may gradually lose thickness.

	Macular Thickness Analysis
		Examines the condition and thickness of the macula, which is the part of the retina that provides central vision. Thinning of the macula is a possible sign of glaucoma progression.

 

	Optic Nerve Head Analysis
		Reveals the structure of the optic nerve where it originates in the retina. With glaucoma, the "cups" in the optic nerve  may enlarge.

Stratus OCT: Revealing the complete picture.

Stratus OCT offers the ultimate benefit for people living with glaucoma the best possible care. Early detection helps your doctor to diagnose and control glaucoma before permanent damage is done.

If you have glaucoma or are developing glaucoma, Stratus OCT enables your doctor to watch closely for the slightest changes and respond as needed. Stratus OCT gives your doctor high-quality, highly accurate knowledge of your eyes that is simply unavailable with any other technology.  This extremely detailed understanding of your eyes can be instrumental and essential in safeguarding your vision for many years to come.