The photoreceptor ellipsoid zone appears as which of the following on OCT?

The photoreceptor ellipsoid zone appears as which of the following on OCT?

• A. Black
• B. Bright white band
• C. Light gray
• D. Dark gray

Answer: (B)

The photoreceptor ellipsoid zone is a bright, hyperreflective band on OCT. This happens because the ellipsoid portion of the photoreceptor inner segments is packed with mitochondria, which backscatter light very strongly. On a cross‑sectional OCT image, this high reflectivity appears as a distinct bright white line in the outer retina, typically located just above the deeper RPE/IZ region. The other tones (absence of signal or lower reflectivity like gray or black) don’t match this bright, highly reflective band. Clinically, preserving the integrity of this bright band is important because its disruption can indicate photoreceptor damage and correlates with visual function.

The photoreceptor ellipsoid zone is a bright, hyperreflective band on OCT. This happens because the ellipsoid portion of the photoreceptor inner segments is packed with mitochondria, which backscatter light very strongly. On a cross‑sectional OCT image, this high reflectivity appears as a distinct bright white line in the outer retina, typically located just above the deeper RPE/IZ region. The other tones (absence of signal or lower reflectivity like gray or black) don’t match this bright, highly reflective band. Clinically, preserving the integrity of this bright band is important because its disruption can indicate photoreceptor damage and correlates with visual function.