OCT biomarkers in age-related macular degeneration
Gorbatova, Anzhelika (2025)
2025
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120332009
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120332009
Tiivistelmä
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of visual impairment in older adults and a growing public health concern as the world's population ages. Early diagnosis is particularly important for the neovascular form of AMD, where timely intervention can help prevent irreversible vision loss.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a key imaging tool for detecting and monitoring AMD. It is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional views of retinal structures. This thesis aims to identify and describe the main OCT biomarkers associated with AMD and to provide optometrists and optometry students with clinically relevant information to support early detection and appropriate referral.
A narrative descriptive literature review was conducted, analysing 13 studies to identify key OCT biomarkers of AMD. These include drusen, hyperreflective foci, subretinal hyperreflective material, pigment epithelial detachment, and other biomarkers indicating atrophy or neovascularisation.
As OCT becomes more widely available in primary eye care, especially in optometry practices, this review highlights the growing importance of OCT interpretation skills among Finnish optometrists. Strengthening these skills could be key to improving early detection and timely referral of AMD cases. While the review provides valuable insight into key biomarkers, it is limited by its focus on a selected set of studies. Future research could further explore the connection between atrophic changes in AMD and visual acuity outcomes, providing valuable support for both eyeglass prescription and overall patient care.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a key imaging tool for detecting and monitoring AMD. It is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional views of retinal structures. This thesis aims to identify and describe the main OCT biomarkers associated with AMD and to provide optometrists and optometry students with clinically relevant information to support early detection and appropriate referral.
A narrative descriptive literature review was conducted, analysing 13 studies to identify key OCT biomarkers of AMD. These include drusen, hyperreflective foci, subretinal hyperreflective material, pigment epithelial detachment, and other biomarkers indicating atrophy or neovascularisation.
As OCT becomes more widely available in primary eye care, especially in optometry practices, this review highlights the growing importance of OCT interpretation skills among Finnish optometrists. Strengthening these skills could be key to improving early detection and timely referral of AMD cases. While the review provides valuable insight into key biomarkers, it is limited by its focus on a selected set of studies. Future research could further explore the connection between atrophic changes in AMD and visual acuity outcomes, providing valuable support for both eyeglass prescription and overall patient care.