Optical coherence tomography to assess intrastromal corneal ring segment depth in keratoconic eyes

Compensatory Corneal Epithelial Changes After Femtolaser - Assisted Intracorneal Rings Implantation in Early and Moderate Cases of Keratoconus

Purpose

To study the compensatory corneal epithelial changes after femtolaser-assisted intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation in early and moderate cases of keratoconus (KC) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Patients and Methods

A prospective observational non-randomized study of 40 eyes with mild to moderate KC received femtolaser-assisted ICRS implantation. Ferrara ICRS with different arc lengths and thicknesses were used according to the patients' tomographic pattern. Patients had a clear central cornea, keratometry reading < 60 diopters, and corneal thickness > 400 microns. AS-OCT was performed preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Corneal epithelial thickness (CET) was measured over 17 points (2 mm central and 16 points on 2-5 mm and 5-7 mm annular zones) over the pupil center. All data were collected and analyzed.

Results

Comparing the preoperative and postoperative data, there was a statistically significant increase in the CET postoperatively throughout the 6-month follow-up period in all zones (p<0.001). The epithelial thickness (ET) was noticed shortly around and central to the ring ridges by the first month (5-7 mm zone). By the third month, the flattened central cornea (2 mm zone) and the 2-5 mm zone showed a significant increase in ET up to the 6th month.

Conclusion

ICRS implantation in KC results in a thicker and more regular epithelium in the central corneal zone as a secondary response to the corneal stromal changes induced by the implants.

Customized Bowman-Stromal Inlay: An Attempt to Change the Topography of the Keratoconus Cornea

PURPOSE

The objective of this report is to describe a modification of a previously reported technique with an aim of improving the corneal topography and visual outcomes in progressive keratoconus along with stabilization of ectasia.

METHOD

In a 26-year-old man with progressive keratoconus, corneal collagen cross-linking was performed in one eye. The other eye had a keratometry of 69.6 D and thinnest pachymetry of 397 µm for which a customized Bowman-stromal inlay surgery was performed. The technique involved the harvesting of Bowman-stromal inlay (anterior 180-μm human donor cornea having the Bowman's layer and anterior stroma) using the femtosecond laser and central ablation of this inlay was done on the stromal side using an excimer laser. This customized inlay was placed in the anterior stromal pocket of the patient's cornea using a regular intraocular lens injector.

RESULTS

Stabilization of keratoconus could be achieved in the present case along with improvement in the corrected distance visual acuity and pachymetry. Maximum keratometry decreased from 69.6 D to 57.3 D.

CONCLUSIONS

Customized Bowman-stromal inlay technique appears to be a step towards creating an ideal inlay for the keratoconus cornea.

Evaluation of corneal thickness with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography following keraring implantation for keratoconus: five year follow-up

To evaluate the change in the position of intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) implanted in keratoconus patients within five years of implantation. Participants in this study included keratoconus patients who received Keraring 10 ICRS implantation and had a follow-up time of at least 5 years. The distances from apex to anterior corneal surface (AA), from outer basal corner to posterior corneal surface (BP), and from inner basal corner to posterior corneal surface (CP) were measured at every postoperative visit (6 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years) and compared to each other. Thirty eyes of 22 patients were included. The CP showed a statistically significant decrease at all 15 time points (p < .001); however, no statistically significant difference was found at 5 years regarding AA or BP (p > .05 for all). Triangular ICRS implanted in keratoconus patients remained stable for five years without any complications, which is an extremely important aspect of ICRS surgery. The only difference was a slight posterior movement of the inner basal corner, although without anterior chamber perforation.

Effect of the variability in implantation depth of intracorneal ring segments using the femtosecond laser technology in corneal ectasia

Purpose:

To analyze the impact of the depth of implantation of intracorneal ring segments on morphological, biomechanical, and clinical outcomes in ectatic corneas.

Methods:

This prospective longitudinal study enrolled 40 eyes of 29 patients (age 20–51 years) with corneal ectasia that underwent intracorneal ring segments implantation (KeraRing, Mediphacos). Changes in visual acuity, refraction, corneal tomography, and corneal biomechanics (Ocular Response Analyzer, Reichert) were evaluated during a 6 month follow-up. Likewise, changes in ring segment implantation depth measured by optical coherence tomography (Visante OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec) were also evaluated.

Results:

Mean relative depth of implantation was 71.6 ± 5.8%, 71.5 ± 6.5%, and 71.9 ± 6.3% at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, respectively (p = 0.827). The difference between the real relative depth of implantation and the theoretical attempted value of 70% was not statistically significant (p = 0.072). Differences in spherical equivalent during the follow-up changed significantly depending on the level of relative depth of implantation (p = 0.036), with an increase of 0.114 D per each 1% increase in relative depth of implantation. Likewise, a decrease of –0.194 D in the steepest keratometric reading was found per each decrease of 1% in relative depth of implantation (p = 0.026). Changes in corneal thickness (p = 0.092) and biomechanics (p = 0.080) were not related to relative depth of implantation.

Conclusion:

The effect on visual acuity and refraction of intracorneal ring segments when implanted in corneal ectasia is less clinically relevant when the implantation is done at a very deep plane. The variability of the depth of intracorneal ring segments implantation when using femtosecond laser technology is minimal and with no clinically significant effect on clinical outcomes.

Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography: Applications for Clinical Care and Scientific Research

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is a non-contact imaging technique that produces high-resolution images and quantitative measurements of the anterior segment and its anatomical structures. There has been rapid development of OCT technology over the past 2 decades, with the transition from time-domain to Fourier-domain OCT devices. By integrating these advancements in OCT technology, AS-OCT devices have evolved into versatile clinical and research tools for studies of the anterior segment and ocular surface. The primary purpose of this article was to review OCT technology and AS-OCT devices as well as applications of AS-OCT for clinical practice and scientific research. We first describe the different types of OCT technology, how they have been adapted for AS-OCT imaging, and differences between various AS-OCT devices. We then review the applications of AS-OCT for characterizing the anatomical structures of the anterior segment and aqueous outflow pathways, including the anterior chamber angle, trabecular meshwork, and Schlemm canal. We also describe glaucoma-related applications of AS-OCT imaging, which include evaluating patients for static and dynamic biometric risk factors of primary angle closure disease and assessing the efficacy of glaucoma interventions, such as laser peripheral iridotomy and glaucoma surgery. Finally, we review other clinical applications of AS-OCT imaging for detection and management of diseases of the ocular surface, cornea, and lens.

Optical coherence tomography imaging in keratoconus

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is being increasingly used as a tool in the diagnosis and management of keratoconus. While elevation-based topography remains essential, there is an expanding role for cross-sectional OCT imaging in the diagnosis of the disease. Images and measurements of corneal thickness, and in particular, epithelial thickness, may be important in diagnosing early cases, and following procedures such as intrastromal corneal ring segments, corneal transplants and corneal collagen cross-linking.

Comparison of the MyoRing implantation depth by mechanical dissection using PocketMaker microkeratome versus Melles hook via AS-OCT

Background

This paper seeks to evaluate the depth and outcomes of MyoRing implantation using two mechanical dissection procedures including: PocketMaker microkeratome in opposition to the Melles hook method.

Methods

This retrospective study was carried out on 39 eyes of 38 keratoconus patients (28 male and 10 female) with the mean age of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ 28.97\frac{+}{.}10.37 $$\end{document}28.97+.10.37 years and had undergone MyoRing implantation by the two mentioned methods. The MyoRing was inserted into the corneal pocket which was made manually in 18 eyes (Melles hook group) or with PocketMaker microkeratome in 21 eyes (PocketMaker group). The mean follow up time was \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ 9.81\frac{+}{.}3.7 $$\end{document}9.81+.3.7 months with pre-operative and post-operative ophthalmic examination including uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), keratometry readings and central corneal thickness measurement. AS-OCT (Casia, SS-1000, Tomey, Nagoya, Japan) imaging was used to measure MyoRing insertion depth, exactly.

Results

Pre-operative and post-operative UCVA (LogMAR) mean change for the PocketMaker and Melles hook groups were recorded at 0.75 ± 0.32 and 0.78 ± 0.33, respectively. Similarly, BCVA (LogMAR) mean change were 0.27 ± 0.22 and 0.23 ± 0.22. Mean keratometry (Kmean) change were 6.06 ± 4.18 and 6.56 ± 3.55 respectively. UCVA change (P = 0.767), BCVA change (P = 0.77) and Kmean change (P = 0.693) showed that there was no statistically significant difference between both groups for any parameter. Depth measurements achieved from AS-OCT images showed that there was no statistically significant difference in pocket depth between two methods of MyoRing implantation (P = 0.413).

Conclusions

The results of Myoring implantation outcomes using mechanical dissection via PocketMaker microkeratome as against Melles hook are comparable.

Keraring Intrastromal Segment Depth Measured by Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Eyes with Keratoconus

Purpose. To evaluate agreement between measured and intended distance of Keraring (Mediphacos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil) intracorneal ring segments from the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces. Methods. Twenty-six Keraring ICRS implanted in 24 keratoconic eyes were examined. The distance from the Keraring apex to the anterior corneal surface and the distance from the inner and the outer corners to the posterior corneal surface were measured 3 months postoperatively using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Agreement between measured distance and intended distance was assessed by calculating the absolute differences and 95% limits of agreement (95% LoA). Results. The mean absolute difference was significantly lower (p < 0.001) for the measurements taken at the inner corner (23.54 ± 15.90 μm) than that for those taken at the apex (108.92 ± 62.72 μm) and the outer corner (108.35 ± 56.99 μm). The measurements taken at the inner corner were within ±25 and ±50 μm of the intended distance in 15/26 (57.7%) and 24/26 (92.3%) cases, respectively, and showed the narrowest 95% LoA with the intended distance (−57.61 to 55.15 μm). Conclusions. The distance of the inner corner from the posterior corneal surface showed the best agreement with the intended distance. This measurement is suitable for determining whether the actual Keraring depth matches the intended depth.

Depth evaluation of intended vs actual intacs intrastromal ring segments using optical coherence tomography

PurposeEvaluation of actual vs intended intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) implantation depth as measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT)MethodsProspective study evaluating 30 Intacs segments implanted manually in 19 eyes of 15 patients suffering from keratoconus. Segment depth evaluation was performed using anterior segment OCT. Measurements were performed above and below the segment at 3 points in relation to the incision site. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS software for ANOVA, matched t-test, and GLIMMIX procedure.ResultsIntacs segment depth was 153-μm shallower than intended (58% vs 80%). Segment layout demonstrated the proximal and distal portions to be 13-μm shallower and 12-μm deeper (on average), respectively. Intacs segment thickness does not influence implantation depth. Intacs segments implanted in the same eye do not share similar implantation depths. Stromal compression is likely to occur.ConclusionIntacs are implanted at a shallower depth than intended. The 'pocketing' stage prior to implantation most likely has a stronger effect on the segment's final implantation depth than does the incisions' depth.

Tissue reaction after intrastromal corneal ring implantation in an experimental animal model

PURPOSE

To evaluate corneal wound healing in the hen animal model after additive surgery with an intracorneal ring segment (ICRS).

METHODS

We implanted one ICRS in each eye of 76 hens. In control group 1 (n = 22 hens), the stromal channel was prepared but no ICRS was inserted. In control group 2 (n = 2 hens), no surgery was performed. Animals were randomly separated into groups and euthanized after clinical follow-up of 4 and 12 hours, 1, 2, 3, and 7 days, and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 months. Corneas were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Apoptosis was measured by terminal uridine nick end-labeling assays. Cell proliferation and myofibroblast-like differentiation were assayed by BrdU and α-smooth muscle actin immunofluorescence microscopy. Stromal matrix changes were documented by electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Epithelial and stromal cell apoptosis around the ICRS-implanted and control group 1 eyes peaked at 12 hours, but continued for 72 hours. In ICRS-implanted eyes, epithelial and stromal proliferation was present at 12 and 24 hours, respectively, and peaked at 7 days and 72 hours, respectively. Some proliferation in the ICRS-implanted group continued through the 6-month follow-up, and myofibroblast-like cells differentiated one to three months after ICRS implantation. The segments rotated within the stroma as the limbal inferior angle approached the epithelium.

CONCLUSIONS

Wound healing after ICRS implantation in hen corneas was similar to that of other corneal surgical wounds in stages. However, there were some specific features related to the small size of the epithelial wound and the device permanently implanted inside the cornea.

Treatment options for advanced keratoconus: A review

Traditionally, the mainstay of treatment for advanced keratoconus (KC) has been either penetrating or deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (PK or DALK, respectively). The success of both operations, however, has been somewhat tempered by potential difficulties and complications, both intraoperatively and postoperatively. These include suture and wound-healing problems, progression of disease in the recipient rim, allograft reaction, and persistent irregular astigmatism. Taken together, these have been the inspiration for an ongoing search for less troublesome therapeutic alternatives. These include ultraviolet crosslinking and intracorneal ring segments, both of which were originally constrained in their indication exclusively to eyes with mild to moderate disease. More recently, Bowman layer transplantation has been introduced for reversing corneal ectasia in eyes with advanced KC, re-enabling comfortable contact lens wear and permitting PK and DALK to be postponed or avoided entirely. We offer a summary of the current and emerging treatment options for advanced KC, aiming to provide the corneal specialist useful information in selecting the optimal therapy for individual patients.

Ocular and optical coherence tomography-based corneal aberrometry in keratoconic eyes treated by intracorneal ring segments

PURPOSE

To analyze corneal and total aberrations using custom-developed anterior segment spectral optical coherence tomography (OCT) and laser ray tracing in keratoconic eyes implanted with intracorneal ring segments (ICRS).

DESIGN

Evaluation of technology. Prospective study. Case series.

METHODS

Nineteen keratoconic eyes were measured before and after ICRS surgery. Anterior and posterior corneal topographic and pachymetric maps were obtained pre- and postoperatively from 3-dimensional OCT images of the anterior segment, following automatic image analysis and distortion correction. The pupil center coordinates were used as reference for estimation of corneal aberrations. Corneal aberrations were estimated by computational ray tracing on the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces. Total aberrations were measured using a custom-developed laser ray tracing aberrometer. Corneal and total aberrations were compared in 8 eyes pre- and postoperatively for 4-mm pupils.

RESULTS

Total and corneal aberrations were highly correlated. Average root mean square of corneal and total high-order aberrations (HOAs) were 0.78 ± 0.35 μm and 0.57 ± 0.39 μm preoperatively, and 0.88 ± 0.36 μm and 0.53 ± 0.24 μm postoperatively (4-mm pupils). The anterior corneal surface aberrations were partially compensated by the posterior corneal surface aberrations (by 8.3% preoperatively and 4.1% postoperatively). Astigmatism was 2.03 ± 1.11 μm preoperatively and 1.60 ± 0.94 μm postoperatively. The dominant HOA aberrations both pre- and postoperatively were vertical coma (Z3(-1)), vertical trefoil (Z3(-3)), and secondary astigmatism (Z4(4)). ICRS decreased corneal astigmatism by 27% and corneal coma by 5%, but on average, the overall amount of HOA did not decrease significantly with ICRS treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

OCT is a reproducible technique to evaluate corneal aberrations. OCT-based corneal aberrations and ocular aberrations show a high correspondence in keratoconic patients before and after ICRS implantation. ICRS produced a decrease in astigmatism, but on average did not produce a consistent decrease of HOAs.

Femtosecond laser technology in corneal refractive surgery: a review

PURPOSE

To discuss current applications and advantages of femtosecond laser technology over traditional manual techniques and related unique complications in corneal refractive surgical procedures, including LASIK flap creation, intracorneal ring segment implantation, astigmatic keratotomy, presbyopic treatments, and intrastromal lenticule procedures.

METHODS

Literature review.

RESULTS

From its first clinical use in 2001 for LASIK flap creation, femtosecond lasers have steadily made a place as the dominant flap-making technology worldwide. Newer applications are being evaluated and are increasing in their frequency of use.

CONCLUSIONS

Femtosecond laser technology is rapidly becoming a heavily utilized tool in corneal refractive surgical procedures due to its reproducibility, safety, precision, and versatility.

Depth of Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments by OCT

Purpose.

To compare the depth of intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) with the expected depth value using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods.

This was a retrospective comparative study in an ophthalmic unit in a government hospital, the Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Israel. Ten eyes of 8 patients with 18 ICRS were reviewed. Eleven segments were Intacs (Addition Technology, Inc.) and 7 Kerarings (Mediphacos). Using anterior segment OCT (OPKO OTI) the shortest distance from the epithelium to the segment at 3 points was measured for each segment. The 3 points are proximal, middle, and distal to the incision.

Results.

The mean depth of the 18 segments was 360±68 μm. The mean maximal and minimal depths were 383±70 and 336±72 μm, respectively. The mean depths of the distal, central, and proximal point measurements of all ICRS were 358±79, 361±77, and 362±59 μm, respectively; no significant difference was found. No part of the segments tended to be more superficial than others (p=0.98). There was no significant difference between Intacs and Kerarings depths (p=0.43). There was a significant difference between the expected ICRS depth and the OCT measurements (mean 480±20) and 360±68), respectively.

Conclusions.

The ICRS actual depth was less than expected. There was mild variability in segment depth, both between segments and along the same segment. No significant difference was found between the depth of Intacs and Kerarings.

Quantitative OCT-based corneal topography in keratoconus with intracorneal ring segments

Custom high-resolution high-speed anterior segment spectral domain Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) was used to characterize three-dimensionally (3-D) corneal topography in keratoconus before and after implantation of intracorneal ring segments (ICRS). Previously described acquisition protocols were followed to minimize the impact of the motions of the eye. The collected set of images was corrected from distortions: fan (scanning) and optical (refraction). Custom algorithms were developed for automatic detection and classification of volumes in the anterior segment of the eye, in particular for the detection and classification of the implanted ICRS. Surfaces were automatically detected for quantitative analysis of the corneal elevation maps (fitted by biconicoids and Zernike polynomials) and pachymetry. Automatic tools were developed for the estimation of the 3-D positioning of the ICRS. The pupil center reference was estimated from the segmented iris volume. The developed algorithms are illustrated in a keratoconic eye (grade III) pre- and 30 days post-operatively after implantation of two triangular-section, 0.3-mm thick Ferrara ring segments. Quantitative corneal topographies reveal that the ICRS produced a flattening of the anterior surface, a steepening of the posterior surface, meridional differences in the changes in curvature and asphericity, and increased symmetry of the anterior topography. Optical distortion correction through the ICRS (of a different refractive index from the cornea) allowed accurate pachymetric estimates, which showed increased thickness in the ectatic area as well as in peripheral corneal areas. Automatic tools allowed estimation of the depth of the implanted ICRS ring, as well as its rotation with respect to the pupil plane. Anterior segment sOCT provided with fan and optical distortion correction and analysis tools is an excellent instrument for evaluating and monitoring keratoconic eyes and for the quantification of the changes produced by ICRS treatment.

Keratoconus: overview and update on treatment

Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory, progressive thinning process of the cornea. It is a relatively common disorder of unknown etiology that can involve each layer of the cornea and often leads to high myopia and astigmatism. Computer- assisted corneal topography devices are valuable diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of subclinical keratoconus and for tracking the progression of the disease. The traditional conservative management of keratoconus begins with spectacle correction and contact lenses. Several newer, more invasive, treatments are currently available, especially for contact lens-intolerant patients. Intrastromal corneal ring segments can be used to reshape the abnormal cornea to improve the topographic abnormalities and visual acuity. Phakic intraocular lenses such as iris-fixated, angle-supported, posterior chamber implantable collamer and toric lenses are additional valuable options for the correction of refractive error. Corneal cross-linking is a relatively new method of stiffening the cornea to halt the progression of the disease. The future management of keratoconus will most likely incorporate multiple treatment modalities, both simultaneous and sequential, for the prevention and treatment of this disease.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-contact optical signal acquisition and processing device that provides magnified, high resolution cross-sectional images of ocular tissues. Development of anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT) offers the benefits of fine resolution and noninvasive examination to investigation of anterior segment anatomy to the depth of the iris plane. This imaging device has been utilized for investigation into a myriad of corneal and anterior segment disease. Recent technological advances toward three-dimensional visualization broaden the scope of AS-OCT in ophthalmologic evaluation. The AS-OCT is a valuable imaging tool whose use in research and clinical practice will continue to expand our knowledge and management of various ophthalmic conditions.

Value of optical coherence tomography for anterior segment surgery

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is an important new noncontact imaging technology that uses a 1310 nm super luminescent diode. It can be used to assess anterior chamber biometry, corneal thickness, lens thickness, and angle configuration; to visualize pathological processes; to evaluate postsurgical anatomy and posttraumatic eyes; and to image phakic intraocular lenses and intracorneal ring segments. Because it is a noncontact technique, it can also be used intraoperatively, which could be useful during trabeculectomy and after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty to detect abnormalities in the cornea and interface. A disadvantage of AS-OCT is its inability to penetrate the iris pigment epithelium, which makes it impossible to evaluate the structures behind the iris. The most frequently used devices are time-domain AS-OCT, but new Fourier-domain OCT devices, which have faster image acquisition and higher resolution, are currently under investigation.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Optical coherence tomography anatomy of the corneal endothelial transplantation wound

PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to prospectively assess the deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK) wound anatomy and its evolution during the 12 months after surgery, using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

METHODS

The eyes of 8 patients (1 eye per patient) who consecutively underwent DLEK for Fuchs dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy were prospectively studied before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The Stratus OCT apparatus (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) was used to acquire central and radial scans perpendicular to the wound at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-o'clock positions. The following parameters were analyzed: central total thickness, posterior donor-recipient edges gap, donor-recipient height mismatch, tissue compression, and graft detachment.

RESULTS

A posterior gap was observed in 4 of the 8 DLEK eyes. At 12 months, the mean gap contour, depth, and width were 242 +/- 67, 101 +/- 45, and 87 +/- 29 microm, respectively. A step was documented in all DLEK eyes (average step height 108 +/- 24 microm). A micrograft detachment was observed in one case and tissue compression in another. In all corneas, the mean central corneal thickness returned to normal range and almost normal anatomy with time after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

OCT was found to be a very useful tool for DLEK corneal wound architecture analysis. It revealed microscopic wound irregularities and allowed their quantitative follow-up with time.

Clinical and research applications of anterior segment optical coherence tomography - a review

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is being employed more and more often to image pathologies and surgical anatomy within the anterior segment, specifically in anterior chamber biometry, corneal pachymetric mapping, angle evaluation and high-resolution cross-sectional imaging. The cross-sectional imaging capability of OCT is similar to ultrasound, but its higher resolution allows OCT to measure and visualize very fine anatomic structures. No contact is required. In this review, we describe the utility and limitations of anterior segment OCT.

Assessment of the use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography in microbial keratitis

PURPOSE

To investigate the imaging capabilities of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS OCT) in microbial keratitis and to assess whether measurements of the quantitative parameters, infiltrate thickness and corneal thickness, were possible.

DESIGN

Prospective, noncomparative, observational case series.

METHODS

The study was conducted at a university hospital clinical setting. Seven patients (eyes) with suspected microbial keratitis underwent standard clinical examination and treatment based on slit-lamp clinical findings. AS OCT scanning was performed on presentation and at two follow-up appointments. All scans were carried out with the scanning beam passing through the center of the infiltration and at a specific meridian. Examination was carried out by the same operator.

RESULTS

Corneal infiltration was imaged as a hyperreflective area in the corneal stroma on high-resolution AS OCT scans. Retrocorneal pathologic features and anterior chamber inflammatory cells could be imaged. Corneal and infiltrate thickness could be measured with calipers in six cases. In one case, corneal and infiltrate thickness could not be measured because of a thick inflammatory plaque attached to the endothelium. In this case, the width of the plaque was measured on serial scans.

CONCLUSIONS

AS OCT imaging provides a range of parameters that can be used to assess microbial keratitis and the treatment response objectively.

Clinical applications and new developments of optical coherence tomography: an evidence-based review

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new imaging modality that has increasingly become an indispensable tool in clinical practice for the diagnosis and management of ocular diseases involving the macula, optic nerve and anterior segment. The instrument is an advanced imaging technique that provides unprecedented high resolution and cross-sectional tomographic images of the ocular microstructure in situ, and in real time. Since its introduction about four years ago, a multitude of advantages has made OCT an essential instrument in ophthalmic imaging. The technique has fast image acquisition speed and non-contact, non-invasive applicability, allowing a non-excisional 'optical biopsy' to be performed. The purpose of this paper is to provide an evidence-based review of the increasing role of OCT in the diagnosis and management of ocular disorders, particularly in age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema, macular hole, epiretinal membrane and glaucoma. Being one of the first users of OCT in Australia, our clinical experiences will be highlighted and clinical examples of various conditions will be presented to provide an overview of the immense implications of OCT in practice. The latest developments of the OCT revolution, in relation to combining OCT with fundus photography and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, will also be described. New developments of three-dimensional visualisation of tissue morphology with future models of ultra-high speed, ultra-high resolution OCT may further enhance the early diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression and assessment of treatment efficacy, facilitated by this powerful technology.

Corneal imaging with anterior segment optical coherence tomography for lamellar keratoplasty procedures

PURPOSE

To assess and describe the uses of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the evaluation of the cornea before and after lamellar corneal transplantation procedures.

DESIGN

Prospective, noncomparative, observational case series.

METHODS

Seven eyes of seven patients undergoing anterior and posterior lamellar corneal transplantation procedures at the Singapore National Eye Centre were included in the study. High-resolution anterior segment OCT scans of the cornea and anterior segment were performed both before and after lamellar transplantation procedures on the cornea with the Visante anterior segment OCT system (Visante OCT; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc, Dublin, California, USA), and the imaging findings were correlated with the clinical picture. Measurements of lamella thickness were performed with the software provided.

RESULTS

Anterior segment OCT images were able to provide valuable information on donor apposition, Descemet membrane detachment after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), posterior lamellar dislocation, primary graft failure, and anterior chamber crowding with consequent chamber angle encroachment and pupillary block after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior segment OCT is a valuable imaging tool for assessing the feasibility of lamellar transplantation surgery in the diseased cornea and in the management of surgical complications after such procedures.

Intacs for keratoconus

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The use of Intacs as a therapeutic modality in contact lens intolerant patients with mild to moderate keratoconus is increasingly gaining acceptance in the ophthalmic community.

RECENT FINDINGS

During the past year we have gleaned significant new information about patients who are appropriate candidates, the location and relative placement of segment sizes and long-term safety and stability after Intacs placement. Another new and exciting development which will make this procedure safer and more commonly acceptable is the use of the femtosecond laser to create the channels to insert the Intacs, which has been described for the first time this year. This technology allows for accurate depth of inserting, improved outcomes and less complications due to superficial placement. New reports about Intacs revision surgery also allows us to retreat many patients who would otherwise have been considered surgical failures.

SUMMARY

The new advances described this past year will improve outcomes and ultimately contribute to an increase in the amount of physicians performing this procedure and the number of patients requesting it.

Current treatment options for corneal ectasia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The approach to the management of various forms of corneal ectasia is changing, with the advent of new surgical and nonsurgical options. The purpose of this review is to summarize and evaluate relevant studies on new treatments for keratoconus, postrefractive surgery keratectasia, and peripheral ectatic corneal disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

Various alternatives to corneal transplantation for the management of keratoconus aim to enhance corneal rigidity by means of nonsurgical collagen cross-linking, or with the use of intrastromal corneal ring segments, and studies suggest that these treatments may reduce astigmatism or ectatic progression to varying degrees. Recent developments in anterior lamellar keratoplasty enable targeted replacement or augmentation of corneal stroma without replacement of endothelium, and include procedures such as deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, microkeratome or laser-assisted anterior lamellar surgery, and peripheral tectonic lamellar keratoplasty procedures demonstrate successful reinforcement of peripheral stroma to reduce astigmatism.

SUMMARY

These new forms of surgery are viable alternatives to conventional penetrating keratoplasty and bring added safety profiles for long-term visual rehabilitation and restoration of tectonic integrity in central and peripheral forms of corneal ectasia.

Measuring the cornea: the latest developments in corneal topography

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Corneal measurement uses Placido-disc topographers and tomographers, creating three-dimensional corneal models from cross-sectional images. Technology includes slit scanning, Scheimpflug imaging, very high frequency ultrasound, and high-speed anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

RECENT FINDINGS

Normative data in the Asian population using the Orbscan, and repeatability information for the 3 and 5-mm zone were reported. Best fit sphere and the thinnest point were not significantly different, but posterior surface elevation was higher using the Orbscan in keratoconic eyes. Pachymetry data from the Pentacam show pattern differences used as keratoconus indices. Scheimpflug imaging identified changes in the posterior surface that were not mirrored by the anterior surface with aging, and may be better for surgical planning than conventional keratometry following excimer treatments. Optical coherence tomography mean central corneal thickness measurements were repeatable; however, mean central epithelial thickness measurements were not. Very high frequency ultrasound can be used successfully to create epithelial and flap thickness maps. Studies reveal specular microscopy measures thinner and less reliable readings than Pentacam and Orbscan.

SUMMARY

New corneal topographers, such as Scheimpflug imaging, ultrasound and optical coherence tomography have expanded capabilities and precision in measuring the structure of the cornea.