OCT: Artifacts and Errors

Summary

Artifacts can occur during image acquisition or analysis because of patient, operator, or software factors. Accurate image interpretation depends on the quality of the image and an understanding of the various artifacts that can affect an OCT image ( ).

Mirror Artifact

• Occurs only on spectral domain (SD) OCT.

• Occurs when the area of interest crosses the zero-delay line and results in an inverted image.

• Reasons:

  • 1.

    OCT device is pushed too close to the eye.

  • 2.

    Conditions in which the curvature of the retina is such that it crosses the zero-delay line, such as retinoschisis, retinal detachment, an elevated choroidal lesion, or high myopia ( Fig. 5.1.1 ).