How to Detect and Interpret OCT Artifacts

When ocular comorbidities affect the RNFL, discerning true glaucoma progression requires careful interpretation and serial imaging.

Kateki Vinod

Glaucoma Physician September 1, 2025 Page(s): 6-9

5 Key Takeaways

1

OCT imaging is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring glaucoma, especially in early stages or for patients unable to perform visual field tests.
2

Artifacts in OCT RNFL scans can lead to misdiagnosis, with a study showing 46% of scans contained at least one artifact.
3

Different OCT devices yield non-interchangeable RNFL thickness values, necessitating new baselines when switching machines.
4

Clinicians must assess scan quality and look beyond average RNFL thickness to avoid diagnostic errors caused by artifacts.
5

Advancements in OCT technology have improved image quality, but thorough technician training is essential to minimize artifacts.

Kateki Vinod

Specialties: Glaucoma

Bio: Kateki Vinod, MD, writes on glaucoma diagnosis and monitoring, including the interpretation of optical coherence tomography artifacts affecting retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex assessment. Her work in Glaucoma Physician focuses on the clinical use and limitations of OCT imaging in distinguishing true glaucoma progression from imaging artifacts and ocular comorbidities.

PentaVision

Glaucoma Physician

How to Detect and Interpret OCT Artifacts

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