Abstract
Purpose: :
To report a useful application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the post–operative care of an AlphaCor artificial cornea recipient at Tokushima University hospital.
Methods: :
AlphaCor is a fully synthetic corneal replacement that lies within the corneal plane; tissue posterior to the central optic is removed at device implantation, while tissue anterior to the optic is removed after 3 months. A 79–year–old female (history prior graft failure, vascularized cornea, sutured IOL, glaucoma) underwent AlphaCor implantation by the classical technique including a conjunctival flap. Slit lamp biomicroscopy was found insufficient for post–operative exam because of the presence of the flap. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was utilized at each post–operative visit prior to the second stage to determine tissue apposition with the device, exclude posterior membranes and a false anterior chamber behind the device.
Results: :
OCT enabled a cross–section view of the anterior and posterior corneal lamellae and the AlphaCor could be visualized in situ. Its satisfactory position and tissue relationships were ascertained, excluding angle closure or poor apposition that would prevent good device biointegration.
Conclusions: :
This case demonstrates a useful application of OCT in examining an implanted AlphaCor, helping exclude complications and ensure a good clinical outcome.
Keywords: cornea: clinical science