Anterior Segment OCT Image Analysis of Corneal Opacities that Guide Ophthalmologists in Making Decisions About Corneal Transplant Surgeries

Abstract

Purpose: To quantify the sagittal extent of corneal scarring as a function of corneal thickness by image analysis of anterior segment optical coherence tomographic (AS-OCT) images of the cornea. Method: This is an observational study which included three eyes with corneal scars. Anterior segment OCT was performed centered on the scar with a 3 mm cruciate protocol. The anterior and posterior limits of the scar were delineated using signal intensity measures and standardized cut-offs. Result: The anterior and posterior limits of the scar were found to be at 119.6 and 215 µm. The normative data published in other studies were used to guide the cut-off value. Conclusion: Anterior segment OCT images and their mathematical quantification by image analysis can be used to delineate specific areas of the cornea that has lost its normal transparency. This innovative concept has translational implications in choosing the type of corneal transplant, which is the treatment modality for this condition.