An insight into Principle and Practice of Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography

ABSTRACT

Proper visualization of the eye structures is the hallmark of diagnosis in eye diseases. With advent of newer techniques and instruments, the significance of anterior segment eye structures is further elaborated. This article explores the basic working principle of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and also provides a list of commonly available instruments and their advantages over one another. It then sheds light upon the use of anterior segment OCT in the observation of cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland and other anatomic structures of eye within the living subject. Anterior segment OCT is also helpful in the demonstration of dynamics involving aqueous flow system. The application of this advanced technique in diagnosis of dry eye disease, keratoconus, anterior segment eye tumors and other diseases is also explained. The examination of normal cornea along with all its layers is possible with anterior segment OCT and it can also point out any abnormality in corneal epithelium, edema or any other change that may occur after intra ocular lens placement or corneal transplantation. Anterior chamber angle measurement is an essential step in the diagnosis of angle closure glaucoma and quite accurate results are provided by this technique. The data was searched from PubMed and Google Scholar, from the articles published during 2014 and 2020, using the keywords “optical coherence tomography”, “glaucoma” and “anterior segment of eye”. A few of the limitations of OCT are also discussed along with the future perspectives of this powerful instrument.

Keywords: Anterior Eye Segment; Optical Coherence Tomography; Glaucoma; Anterior Chamber Angle.

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