Prepare To Scan
Stratus OCT User Manual PN 2660021134133 A
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Prepare The Patient
Patient preparation includes dilating the patient (optional), selecting the fixation method,
and preparing the patient for the exam experience.
Note: The forehead and chin rests should be cleaned between each examination
with an alcohol prep swab.
Dilate the Patient (Optional)
Dilation is an optional procedure to aid in the acquisition of an OCT image. Images of
patients with pupils smaller than 3.2 mm may have a decreased image quality due to the
blocking of the instrument signal by the iris. Adequate scans may be obtained from small
pupils, but require a higher level of user skill to obtain them. If dilation is needed, one drop
of tropicamide (0.5% or 1.0%) ophthalmic solution may provide adequate effects.
Tropicamide is a commonly used mydriatic for routine eye exams. Side effects of dilating
drops are rare, but could include life- or sight-threatening reactions such as acute
glaucoma, cardiac irregularities, increased intraocular pressure and sudden high blood
pressure.
Select the Fixation Method
The Stratus OCT provides for internal or external patient fixation. Internal fixation is more
reproducible and is the preferred method. External fixation is indicated when visual acuity
in the eye to be scanned is too poor to provide stable fixation. With both methods, you
have precise control of the fixation target location.
Internal Fixation
In this method, the patient uses the study eye to fixate on a target light inside the ocular
lens. If you select internal fixation, instruct the patient to look at the green light inside the
ocular lens.
• You control the internal fixation target location on screen during scan acquisition (see
Scan, Landmark and Fixation LED Controls on page 3-9).
• With this method, you and/or the patient may find it helpful to cover the patient's
fellow eye with an eye patch. This may increase the patient's ability to fixate steadily
on the target.
External Fixation
With the external fixation method, the patient uses the fellow eye to fixate on a target light
external to the ocular lens. The Stratus OCT is equipped with a detachable external fixation
target arm. It attaches at the top corners of the head mount on either side. You must
position it manually for central or horizontal fixation.
• If you select external fixation, instruct the patient to look at the red blinking target
light at the end of the external fixation arm. You can manipulate the cap at the end of
the target arm to adjust the intensity of the target light.