First experimental and clinical results with transscleral optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Background and objective: To evaluate the potentials of optical coherence tomagraphy (OCT) using long wavelength to penetrate highly scattering tissues of the eye and visualize the anterior chamber angle and the ciliary body.

Methods: OCT images were generated by an experimental prototype in enucleated porcine eyes using as light source a superluminiscent diode with a wavelength of 1310 nm and a scan frequency of 60 Hz. The number of lateral scans was variable in a range from 100 to 400.

Results: Infrared OCT was able to penetrate the sclera. The anterior chamber angle could be visualized completely and the ciliary body could be identified. However, it was not possible to penetrate the highly reflective iris pigment epithelium.

Conclusion: The use of infrared OCT allows penetration of the sclera, thus, providing complete visualization of the anterior chamber angle and limited demonstration of the ciliary body. Because of its higher resolution, it may represent an interesting noninvasive alternative to ultrasound biomicroscopy.