Real-time Optical Coherence Tomography of the Anterior Segment at 1310 Nm

Background: Recent advances in high-speed scanning technology have enabled a new generation of optical coherence tomographic (OCT) systems to perform imaging at video rate. Here, a handheld OCT probe capable of imaging the anterior segment of the eye at high frame rates is demonstrated for the first time.

Objective: To demonstrate real-time OCT imaging of anterior segment structures.

Design: Survey of anterior segment structures in normal human subjects.

Setting: Laboratory.

Main Outcome Measures: Achieving real-time imaging of the anterior segment, satisfactory image quality, and convenience of a handheld probe.

Results: Optical coherence tomographic imaging of the anterior segment of the eyes of human subjects was performed using 1310-nm wavelength light with an image rate of 8 frames per second. Imaging trials demonstrated clear resolution of corneal epithelium and stroma, sclerocorneal junction, sclera, iris pigment epithelium and stroma, and anterior lens capsule. The anterior chamber angle was clearly visualized. Limited imaging of the ciliary body was performed. Real-time imaging of pupillary constriction in response to light stimulus was also performed.

Conclusion: High-speed OCT at 1310-nm wavelength is a potentially useful technique for noninvasive assessment of anterior segment structures.

Clinical Relevance: Our results suggest that real-time OCT has potential applications in glaucoma evaluation and refractive surgery.