Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To compare the cross–sectional images of human retinal structure obtained by optical coherence tomography (OCT) with light microscopy and to determine the retinal components represented in OCT images. Methods: Laser photocoagulation was done as two vertical rows bordering the macular area in a 62year old human subject with a large choroidal melanoma not involving the macula. OCT scans were immediately and enucleation done after two days later. Multiple serial histopathological sections of the formalin–fixed, paraffin – embedded enucleated eyeball were done. The laser marks helped in proper orientation of the macula The laser marks were used to align in vivo OCT scans and ex–vivium histologic cross sections for image comparison. Results: The OCT image demonstrated reproducible patterns of retinal morphology that corresponded to the location of retinal layers seen on light microscopic overlays. The highly reflective layers in OCT matched to the retinal pigment epithelium – choroidal complex, plexiform layers and the nerve fibre layer seen on histopathology .Low reflective layers on OCT corresponded to photoreceptor layer and outer and inner nuclear layers. Conclusion: This is the first report to compare OCT–3 and histopathologic images of human retina. The OCT and histopathologic images of retinal correlate well
Keywords: imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • imaging/image analysis: clinical • retina