Optical coherence tomography angiography – use in ophthalmological practice

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography angiography is currently the most advanced imaging technique used in the visualisation of the structure and vascular perfusion of the retina and choroid. The greatest advantages of the technique include its non-invasive character and the ability to analyse individual vascular layers. Despite certain shortcomings in the software, the technology is constantly developing. In clinical practice it is used to detect and compare neovascularisation in disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and central serous chorioretinopathy, as well as the foci of ischaemia associated with diabetic retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion, and other ophthalmological vascular diseases. At present its potential is being studied as a screening test for early stages of diabetic retinopathy and for glaucoma. Due to difficulties with the interpretation of the results, it is important to improve the skills of ophthalmologists in this respect, and to raise the awareness of the potential applications of this method.

Keywords

• optical coherence tomography angiography
• choroidal neovascularisation
• vascular disorders
• age-related macular degeneration.