At Casey Optical Co. in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we’re committed to using the latest advancements in eye care technology, including optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). OCTA is a cutting-edge diagnostic tool that allows us to visualize the blood vessels in your retina without any invasive procedures. 

Using light waves, OCTA creates highly detailed images of the blood flow in your retina, giving us valuable information about the health of your eyes. This non-invasive test is quick, painless, and provides immediate results. 

With OCTA, we can assess the blood flow in specific areas of your eyes and identify any abnormalities or signs of disease. This is especially valuable in diagnosing and managing conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions, and other retinal disorders. By detecting these conditions early on, we can start treatment sooner and help preserve your vision. 

OCTA also enables us to detect and monitor changes in the blood vessels of your retina that may not be visible during a routine eye exam. This information helps us develop personalized treatment plans for each patient. 

What to expect during an OCTA scan 

During your OCTA scan, you will be asked to rest your chin on a support and focus on a fixed target. The device will capture high-resolution images of your eye’s blood vessels in a matter of seconds. These images provide us with a comprehensive view of the intricate vascular network, enabling us to assess the health of your eyes and develop personalized treatment plans. 

The real-time analysis of OCTA images allows our eye doctor to provide you with prompt and accurate diagnoses. After the test, Dr. Kniffen will go over the results with you and prescribe treatment as necessary. 

How are OCTA scans used? 

An OCTA scan can help Dr. Kniffen diagnose a variety of eye diseases and conditions, including: 

• Diabetic retinopathy 
• Age-related macular degeneration 
• Macular edema 
• Glaucoma 
• Retinal detachment, occlusions, or bleeding 
• Macular hole 
• Neovascularization 

You may need an OCTA scan if you have an increased risk of eye disease or are over a certain age. If you have already been diagnosed with an eye disease, an OCTA scan will help your doctor monitor the progression of the disease.