Abstract
Purpose:
To evaluate the Optovue High Resolution OCT as an alternative modality in measuring scleral thickness.
Methods:
A prospective, single-center study of patients was performed. Repeated measurements of scleral thickness were performed with the Optovue OCT 3 mm from the limbus in two different quadrants of the same eye. Obtained values were analyzed with regards to precision and reproducibility. Correlations to anatomical structures were made.
Results:
25 eyes in 14 patients were measured. An average of 6 measurements per location, per eye, were taken. The mean sclera thickness 3 mm from the limbus was 654 microns. The average standard deviation of the measurements from each location was 30 microns. The boundary of the conjunctiva and sclera was easily distinguishable in 78/124 total measurements (63%). The data recorded was from the eyes with clear anatomic landmarks.
Conclusions:
This study suggests Optovue High resolution OCT is a useful modality in measuring scleral thickness. It is a user-friendly mode of imaging that does not require the photographer expertise or imaging expense of other methods like Ultrasound Biomicroscopy. The anatomic boundary between conjunctiva and sclera was easily identified using the Optovue OCT in 63% of images. The image quality was found to be user dependent, but the learning curve for this technology and the quality of the images was steep. Ongoing study on this and other methods of scleral imaging may be useful in evaluating and following patients with scleral diseases.
Keywords: 552 imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound)