Role of anterior segment optical coherence tomography in the evaluation of microbial keratitis

Abstract

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is a newer technology that provides two-dimensional images of corneal infiltration. This study was undertaken to assess whether AS-OCT can aid objective evaluation and response to treatment in resolving microbial keratitis. This prospective study was performed on 17 patients of who underwent slit lamp and AS-OCT examination at presentation and follow up on days 3, 7, 14, 28 and 6 weeks. A standardized scanning protocol was used to measure the corneal thickness (CT) and infiltrate thickness (IT) using the caliper tool of a commercially available AS-OCT device. The mean CT in the infiltrated area and mean IT, both were thickest at presentation (710.88 um and 288.76 um respectively). The mean CT decreased to 665.12 µm, 650.24 µm, 584.35 µm, 549 µm, 507.47 µm on days 3, 7, 14, 28 and 6 weeks respectively. Similarly, the mean IT decreased to 287.24 µm, 244.41 µm, 197 µm, 174.59 µm and 154.82 µm. Paired t- test was used to calculate the statistical change in CT and IT, which was significant (p<0.0001) at 6 weeks, at the rate of 0.67% and 1.01% per day. AS-OCT can show morphological characteristics of microbial keratitis and give quantitative assessment at every follow up.