Anterior Segment OCT:
A Head On Approach To Traditional OCT
Technology has always been an important aspect of the eye care field. The more technology advances, the easier it is for doctors to view, analyze and assess the condition of the eye. This means that concerns are found sooner which makes it easier to diagnose and treat abnormalities and diseases before they are able to advance beyond treatment. Not only does this reduce the risk of developing blindness, but it also allows for patients to have a higher quality of life.
In 1991 optical coherence tomography (OCT), a non-invasive technique used to detect retinal abnormalities and diagnose retinal diseases was first introduced as an ophthalmic diagnostic tool. Since then the anterior segment OCT (ASOCT) has been introduced as a way to assess the angle structure of the eye in patients with glaucoma who have narrow or suspicious angles. ASCOT create images of the anterior eye including the anterior chamber, cornea, iris and angle.
What is Anterior Segment OCT?
An anterior segment OCT is exactly what it sounds like. It is an OCT, optical coherence tomography, that is taken from an anterior angle (from the front) to show that segment of the eye. This form of OCT eye test is performed to test for glaucoma and get a better angle assessment. This allows doctors the ability to view and monitor angle recession over time to provide a more comprehensive overview of the health of your eye.
Since this technique is non-invasive it helps specialists monitor the eye measurements of their patients more effectively than ever before, so that they are better able to diagnose and treat narrow angle glaucoma.
The Benefits of ASOCT
The most important benefit available to both doctors and patients through the use of an ASOCT is its ability to produce high-resolution images of the eye. This allows for doctors to have a better view of the anterior chamber angle so that they are better able to diagnose and treat narrow angle glaucoma. It also provides doctors with an easy to interpret image to refer patients to when explaining surgery options to correct and treat their condition. When images of their narrow angle is placed aside images of a patient with an open angle it allows patients to better understand what the concerns are when it comes to their eyes so that they are better equipped to discuss the options available, such as laser peripheral iridotomy.
The Limitations of ASOCT (drawback)
As with any form of technology there are drawbacks and limitations to acquiring images from an anterior segment OCT eye test, as well as then interpreting those images. The most significant limitation is that this technological procedure is unable to obtain and display structures that are behind the iris. This is because the wavelength of light used during an anterior segment OCT is blocked by the pigment of the iris.
Technology is less responsible for the majority of the limitations associated with this non-invasive method, rather they are human errors that occur due to the nature of the procedure. For instance, ASOCT can be limited by ocular media opacities found in patients with dense cataracts or other corneal opacities. Patients must remain still as their movement could also affect the quality of the final image. These errors could cause difficulties to a specialist attempting to read and analyze the images in order to assign a diagnosis.
In House Anterior Segment OCT Monitoring
We here at Carim Eye & Retina Center LTD strive to provide our patients with the best possible eye care by training our experienced and friendly staff of Ophthalmologists and Optometrists to correctly use the most advanced proven technologies available. We believe that in order to help you achieve the most comprehensive eye health it is our responsibility to monitor the health of your eyes throughout all stages of life including detection, diagnosis, treatment and recovery of any and all retinal abnormalities. By using the cross sectional images provided by an anterior segment OCT eye test our specialists are easily able to diagnose and treat narrow angle glaucoma in most patients. This eliminates the needs for more invasive and time-consuming procedures such as ultrasound biomicroscopy.
To experience the most advanced and comprehensive eye care, call us and schedule an appointment for your full eye examination and evaluation performed by one of our experienced and highly trained professional specialist today.
References:
Ishikawa, Hiroshi. “Anterior Segment Imaging for Glaucoma: OCT or UBM?” The British Journal of Ophthalmology. BMJ Group, Nov. 2007. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.
@RevOphth. “Making the Most of Anterior Segment OCT.” Review of Ophthalmology. N.p., 12 Apr. 2011. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.
Salim, Sarwat. “The Role of Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography in Glaucoma.” Hindawi Journal of Ophthalmology. Ed. David Huang. N.p., 10 June 2012. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.
Spirn, Marc J., MD, Alex Kozak, Brad H. Feldman, MD, and Vinay A. Shah, MD. “Optical Coherence Tomography.” American Academy of Ophthalmology. Ed. Peter A. Karth. N.p., 20 Jan. 2015. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.
