Optical coherence tomography in retinal diseases

Optical coherence tomography has become an established method for imaging r etinal diseases. It is now an accepted method for making quantitative measu rements in studies on the cause and course of macular holes, vitreoretinal traction, pigment epithelial detachment, macular edema, and diabetic retino pathy. Its potential benefit in the evaluation of age-related macular degen eration and a variety of other diseases is currently under investigation. I n clinical practice optical coherence tomography images add information to the biomicroscopic findings and results of other imaging techniques or func tional testing and can significantly help in making critical decisions. Its future role in routine clinical practice will depend on furth er technical development and the results of long-term studies.