Heidelburg OCT Spectralis

Local Ophthalmologists based at Busamed Lowveld Private Hospital, Dr Johan Eksteen and Dr Edrich Engelbrecht are taking ocular disease diagnostics to the next level. The partnership recently purchased world-class ophthalmic equipment to better serve their patients. The Heidelberg OCT Spectralis was acquired earlier this year and offers a range of benefits for patients with ocular conditions.

The Heidelburg OCT Spectralis is a multimodal imaging platform that combines laser fundus technology (photography of the rear of the eye) with high resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT). Optical coherence tomography is a modern non-invasive imaging technique that generates images of the microvasculature of the retina and the choroid. The technique shows doctors structures in the eye that can change due to eye disease. In an OCT exam a light beam scans the eye through the pupil and the refracted light is translated into a detailed image of the structures of the retina. An OCT exam is often so sensitive it shows doctors signs of disease before a patient notices a change in their vision. This is a tremendous advantage for patients because studies have proven that early treatment is the best way to save vision.

This equipment offers modules in OCT angiography, glaucoma and microscopic retinal imaging and analysis.
One of the advantages for patient diagnosis which is boasted from this technology is that it allows the doctors to more accurately observe a patient’s optic nerve to detect conditions such as Glaucoma.

The multi-colour function of the scanner imaging allows for a non-invasive approach when determining patient pathology (the science of the causes and effects of a disease). These diseases would not usually be seen on non-colour images or without an invasive procedure using a fluorescein dye which is usually injected into a patient’s arm.

The Heidelberg OCT Spectralis Glaucoma Module assess the optic nerve head, the retinal nerve fiber layer and the ganglion cell layer. The module has an AutoRescan function which allows for progress to be observed and tracked as it monitors precise changes over time.

Some other benefits of MultiColor scanning laser imaging include the following:

• Exquisite detail of the various tissue layers.
• Confirmation of the absence of glaucoma is possible by visualising normal nerve fiber layers.
• The diagnosis of co-existing pathologies is easier.
• Demonstration and education of the disease process to the patient is possible.

Through the use of their clinical expertise as well as leading technology Dr’s Eksteen and Engelbrecht are aiming to help preserve sight through early diagnosis of ocular diseases.

For more information or to book an appointment contact
Tel: 013 752 7576 or
email jeksteen@webmail.co.za or edrich.engelbrecht@gmail.com