---
title: What is OCT angiography?
description: "OCT angiography (OCT-A) is an imaging method that visualises blood flow in retinal and choroidal vessels without the need for dye injection. It derives flow information from motion contrast between repeated OCT scans. ## Clinical applications OCT-A can demonstrate abnormal…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/diagnostics-testing/what-is-oct-angiography/"
updated: "2026-01-03"
category: "Diagnostics & Testing"
---

# What is OCT angiography?

OCT angiography (OCT-A) is an imaging method that visualises blood flow in retinal and choroidal vessels without the need for dye injection. It derives flow information from motion contrast between repeated OCT scans.

## Clinical applications

OCT-A can demonstrate abnormal new vessels in conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and some diabetic retinopathy. It is also useful in macular telangiectasia and other microvascular diseases of the posterior pole.

- Non-invasive and suitable for frequent monitoring
- Provides depth-resolved images of different vascular layers
- Does not directly show leakage, unlike fluorescein angiography
- Image quality can be reduced by eye movement or media opacity