Artifacts in macular optical coherence tomography

Purpose: To identify and explain different artifacts in macular optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: For this comprehensive review, a PubMed and Google Scholar (January 1995-October 2018) search was conducted by the researchers, using the keywords such as OCT, artifacts, artefact, and macula. Results: We reviewed the main OCT artifacts including software break-down or misidentification of retinal layers, incomplete segmentation error, complete segmentation failure, mirror artifact (inverted artifact), cut edge artifact, degraded image scan, out-of-register artifact, off-center artifact, motion artifact, foveal duplication, segmentation shift, blink artifact, static or fixed image artifact, linear artifact, and perfluorocarbon liquid-producing artifact. Conclusions: There are various artifacts in OCT image scans. The identification of these artifacts may help in accurate interpretations of OCT images in clinical settings that can affect the diagnosis and management of different retinal disorders.