An ophthalmological examination is essential to assessing eye health and vision quality. Such an examination can detect early severe eye diseases, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Early diagnosis of these diseases allows the ophthalmologist to intervene quickly, minimising the risk of permanent vision loss. An ophthalmological examination identifies visual defects such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Prescribing appropriate glasses or contact lenses improves vision quality, allowing the patient to perform daily activities effectively and safely. Regular eye tests prevent the worsening of certain visual conditions; for example, constant monitoring of glaucoma prevents the progression of optic nerve damage, preserving the patient’s vision. Finally, an ophthalmological examination can also provide a medical opinion on a patient’s suitability for refractive surgery (the LASIK technique). Here, the ophthalmologist provides detailed information on the risks and benefits of surgery.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging technique that comprehensively assesses the eye’s structure (retina, choroid, optic nerve, and corneoretinal membranes). This allows for an accurate diagnosis of conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. OCT also helps monitor the progression of eye conditions over time, assessing the stability or evolution of retinal lesions, macular oedema, neovascularisation, and other conditions impacting eye health. From a scientific perspective, OCT is a valuable clinical and ophthalmic research tool. It supports researchers and specialists in studying eye diseases, developing new therapies, and monitoring the effectiveness of experimental treatments.