Optical Coherence Tomography Evaluation of the Anterior Segment in Uveitis Patients

Abstract

In recent years, optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging has revolutionized care in ophthalmology [1, 2]. OCT imaging allows noninvasive, micrometer resolution that is real time, making it a powerful tool in the investigations of subtle morphological or functional changes in biological tissues in a variety of biomedical and clinical applications [2]. This technique is also favorable for the serial observation of disease progression because of its in vivo imaging capability without a need for specimen excision or postmortem histology at different time-points [3]. The eye is an ideal medium for OCT as it allows easy access of the OCT beam to vital intraocular structures, such as retinal layers. Until recently, OCT imaging has focused in large part on the neurosensory retina [2]; however, OCT is becoming a standard diagnostic tool in monitoring disease progression and evaluating response to treatments even in the anterior segment of the eye. The signs of intraocular inflammation in the anterior segment of the eye include scleritis and episcleritis, the infiltration of white blood cells into the anterior chamber, corneal edema, iris vascular dilation, and an increase in the protein concentration in the intraocular fluids that can form an inflammatory membrane on the anterior surface of the iris and across the pupil [4]. OCT imaging can provide objective evaluations of a variety of these ocular inflammation manifestations.