Choroidal observations in posterior scleritis using high-penetration optical coherence tomography

Abstract

To investigate the choroidal morphologic changes in two patients with posterior scleritis. We used high-penetration optical coherence tomography (HP-OCT) in vivo with a long-wavelength light source (1,060 nm) to view the choroidal changes. In patient 1 with unilateral scleritis, the subfoveal choroidal thickness of the right eye was 418 μm with a serous retinal detachment (SRD) at the initial visit. The treatment regimen was prednisolone 30 mg/day, and the posterior scleritis resolved. Follow-up HP-OCT showed the following choroidal thicknesses-266 μm on day 27 with no SRD, 245 μm on day 69, and 200 μm on day 216. In patient 2 with bilateral scleritis, the subfoveal choroidal thickness of the left eye was 279 μm at the initial visit. The inflammation was more severe in the left eye compared to the right eye on day 99. The choroidal thickness again increased markedly with recurrent disease in the left eye despite treatment. The posterior scleritis resolved with treatment. Follow-up HP-OCT showed the following choroidal thicknesses of the left eye--321 μm on day 99, 257 μm on day 176, and 228 μm on day 358. Significant choroidal changes underlie posterior scleritis. HP-OCT can show these deep choroidal pathologies in patients with posterior uveitis. The choroidal thickness recovers following treatment.