Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the behavior of intracorneal segments using the anterior segment Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT Visante).
Methods: :
We measured the postoperative depth of the intraocorneal segments with the anterior segment Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT Visante) in 3 different points of the segments. This postoperative depth was compared with the depth calculated preoperatively with the Orbscan (80% of the thinnest peripheral pachymetry). We measured the internal and external diameters and the entrance wound depth. We recorded the presence of vessels and deposits.
Results: :
We included 22 eyes of 16 patients with keratoconus.The average depth of the intracorneal segments was in the first third 49.8% ( ±8.9), second third 51.2% (±9.7) and the 3rd third 53.1% ( ±9.8%) with an overall average of 51.4%. These averages had no statistical significance (p>0.5). There was no significant correlation between depth and time of postoperative evolution. The entrance wound depth was taken only in 9 eyes with a mean of 67% (±6.8%). The internal and external diameters of the intracorneal rings were 6.3 mm(±0.3) and 7.7 mm (±0.3) respectively, with statiscally significant differences (p=0.001). Twenty two intracorneal segments had lipid deposits associated with their depth (p=0.004). Nine intraocorneal segments had vessels regarding the corneal depth and time of postoperative evolution.
Conclusions: :
The intracorneal segments were more superficial than the intended corneal depth by OCT Visante. The segment diameters were smaller than the expected value. The entrance wound depth was greater than the depth of the intracorneal segments. The presence of deposits is related to the depth of the intracorneal segments. The anterior segment Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT Visante) is a very useful tool to evaluate the depth of the intracorneal segments.
Keywords: cornea: clinical science • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: systems/equipment/techniques • cornea: stroma and keratocytes