The History of the OCT

Optical Coherence Tomography, or ‘OCT’, is a technique for obtaining sub-surface images of opaque materials at a resolution equivalent to a low-power microscope. It is effectively optical ultrasound imaging from within tissue to provide cross-sectional images.

Ocular (or ophthalmic) OCT is used by ophthalmologists and Optometrists to obtain high-resolution images of the retina and anterior segment. OCT’s capability to show cross-sections of tissue layers with micrometer resolution provides a straightforward method of assessing cellular organization,  axonal thickness in glaucoma, macular degeneration,diabetic macular edema, multiple sclerosis and other eye diseases or systemic pathologies which have ocular signs. Additionally, ophthalmologists leverage OCT to assess the vascular health of the retina via a technique called OCT angiography (OCTA).

Although the first OCT instruments became commercially available in 1996, clinical adoption was slow, and in 1999 only a total of ∼180 units were sold. A second generation instrument with improved ergonomics was introduced in 2000, but in 2001 only 400 instruments were sold. Concurrent with this, John Moore left Humphrey Zeiss, and the new management was considering abandoning OCT. Fortunately, Zeiss continued development, and the third generation instrument, Stratus OCT, was introduced in 2002. Stratus OCT had a similar resolution, but faster speeds of 400 A-scans per second, increasing image pixel density and quality. The technical, clinical, and market knowledge gained from the AOD prototype, Zeiss OCT1 and OCT2 systems, combined with the advances of Stratus OCT, drove OCT to become an essential clinical tool, with utilization and sales growing dramatically. By 2004, the estimated number of cumulative OCT imaging procedures worldwide surpassed 10 million.

Current Day OCTs 

While the Stratus is still widely used in the field, the newer Cirrus is the most popular OCT today and for a good reason. 

Cirrus 400 – the Basic

The ZEISS Cirrus OCT 400 is focused on the essential core OCT functionality at a very reasonable price point. Live OCT Fundus technology generates the fundus image using the OCT scanner only, rather than a line scanning ophthalmoscope. Both the Models 400 and 4000 offer the same features of glaucoma and retina analyses and are capable of (limited) anterior segment imaging.

CIRRUS OCT Model 400 shares the same modern integrated design, ease of use, and small footprint as the premium performance model 4000.

CIRRUS 400 captures a tightly packed, detail-rich cube of data in just seconds and allows you to visualize and analyze your patient’s condition. Because the cube is populated with such high-density data, you can explore pathologies without requiring other scan patterns.

Cirrus 4000 – A Step Up

The ZEISS Cirrus HD-OCT 4000 enables examining the posterior and anterior of the eye at an extremely fine spatial scale. Surgical biopsy or contact with the eye is not needed. The Cirrus HD-OCT builds on the retinal imaging technology first introduced by ZEISS with the Stratus.

Utilizing the advanced imaging technology of spectral-domain OCT allows for 27,000 A-scans per second and better resolution than first-generation OCT technology. Cirrus acquires whole blocks of OCT image data, composed of hundreds of scans, in about the same time as Stratus acquires a six-line scan. You can view this data in three planes, or through three dimensions, giving you access to an extensive amount of retinal images in one scan.

Cirrus HD-OCT Model 500 & 5000 – Power and Performance

Advancing Smart OCT

ZEISS Cirrus HD-OCT is an advanced and smart OCT technology that offers state of the art retinal care. By using 3D microvascular visualization and non-invasive technology, Cirrus HD-OCT will improve your practice’s quality of services and efficiency. It features cutting-edge visualization, tracking, and assessment tools to enhance your level of care.

The Cirrus HD-OCT is a clinical assessment tool that features industry-defining advancements. These are a few points to note on what the Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCTs has to offer.

The Cirrus HD-OCT Model 5000 has a feature called FastTrac, which is retina-tracking technology. Even while you are performing the OCT scan, the FastTrac system is tracking the retina.

The Cirrus HD-OCT 500 doesn’t include FastTrac but includes a much faster scanner than previous systems, making it much easier to align a patient into the machine for accurate imaging.

What are the features of the Cirrus HD-OCT?

Innovative assessment options

Up to six progression maps are compared during analysis, with areas experiencing statistically significant change being color-coded for easier analysis. Along with the trend analysis of the rate of change, this assessment aspect will assist you in documenting macular and ONH/RNFL data to address and monitor glaucoma in your patients.

Patient-friendly Eye Tracking

Cirrus HD-OCT features Fastrack, which will reduce eye motion and increase focus on the same location over multiple visits. The single-pass alignment scanning and scan acquisition strategy allows Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT to focus on an exact area. You will be able to track your patient’s progress better, thanks to this feature.

Multiple visualizations for improved analysis

The Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT offers the ability to analyze a single pathology through multiple views. This ensures a comprehensive analysis of a patient’s condition, allowing you to identify and diagnose problems. You can view data from multiple angles due to the revolutionary 3-D imaging, advanced visualization, and fundus images. It also focuses on millions of data points and B-scans to image even the smallest pathology area.

Why Cirrus HD-OCT will improve your practice

Comprehensive data analysis

The multiple aspects of data presentation, including 3D imaging, advanced visualization, and OCT fundus imaging, allow for a comprehensive analysis of a patient’s condition. You will be better able to monitor your patients, which will allow for more accurate results.

Ease of operation

These models are easy to use, even without a high skill level. It is designed for smart scans and reports to reduce the workload on your team. This allows for better workflow and efficient delivery of services since clinicians can operate it with minimal technical skill.

3D rendering

The 3D rendering provided by Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT allows you to view multiple angles for better data assessment. It pairs with the auto center function for increased accuracy. 

Topcon OCTs

The Topcon 3D OCT-1 replaced the earlier model OCT 2000. The Topcon 3D OCT-1 Maestro System offers clinical utility by combining a high resolution non-mydriatic retinal camera with the Spectral Domain OCT technology. The touch screen and fully automated (alignment, focus, and capture) operation make the 3D OCT-1 Maestro a great diagnostic device for even the smallest practice. PinPoint Registration technology indicates the location of the OCT image within the fundus image.

The Topcon 3D OCT-1 replaced the earlier model OCT 2000. 

Heidelberg Spectralis OCT

An upgradeable ophthalmic diagnostic imaging device, the SPECTRALIS system combines scanning lase imaging with high-resolution OCT. A variety of imaging modules allow the system to perform ultra-widefield imaging along with laser angiography. The Glaucoma Premium Edition assess the optic nerve, the retinal nerve fiber, and the ganglion cells, and the AutoRescan feature monitors change over time. MultiColor Scanning Imaging uses three laser wavelengths to display distinct retina patterns not visible via conventional fundus photography. BluePeak is a scanning laser fundus imaging mode that maps metabolic stress in the retina using lipofuscin. The Widefield Imaging Module provides a 55-degree view for all SPECTRALIS fundus and OCT imaging modalities. The OCT2 module brings together fast scan speeds and TruTrack Eye Tracking to produce high-quality images. Scanning Laser Angiography can be executed using either fluorescein or ICG dye to capture high-resolution images and blood vessel videos. Both angiography modes can be used with the Ultra-Widefield Angiography Module that can capture single-shot images, even in the periphery.

 The Spectralis OCT is sold new in various configurations, which makes the used market very confusing once they are available as refurbished. We do our due diligence to ensure you know exactly what you are buying when a refurbished Spectralis OCT is offered by our company.  

We sell and service all types of OCTs. Please contact us for a complete consultative session should you need to buy, service, or repair an OCT. sa***@la***********.com

About Joey Colarulo 

Vice President

Joey has been the Vice President of Laser Locators since March 2015 and a Managing Partner since 2012. He joined the company in 2011.

Joey has significantly contributed to Laser Locators’ growth, including the development of a full service and parts department. He has streamlined the sales and procurement departments by redeveloping processes and implementing new systems. Through Joey’s efforts, Laser Locators has tripled its sales volume and added 13 new positions.

Joey has over 20 years of experience in global internet sales and marketing. His expertise in analyzing the marketplace and leverage the latest e-commerce technologies has enabled Joey to drive exponential sales growth year over year.

Originally from Philadelphia, Joey earned his Bachelor’s degree in Financial Management and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Rowan University.

Outside of work, Joey is involved in the Westchase Charitable Foundation, a local non-profit that provides direct assistance to those in need. His interests include vintage BMWs and rare sports cards.