Current interpretation of optical coherence tomography in the posterior pole

Objective: To review the literature in order to describe the current nomenclature for the interpretation of retinal images of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the macular area.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the major biomedical databases since the introduction of OCT in ophthalmological field.

Results: Quantitative variations of central macular thickness and proper terminology used throughout the years are directly related to the technology and equipment used.

Conclusions: The current nomenclature of normal macular architecture represented in vivo on spectral domain OCT technology provides a clear and valid anatomical interpretation that can be applied, not only in research, but also in everyday practice.