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Effect of corneal drying on optical coherence tomography
Daniel M Stein1, Gadi Wollstein1, Hiroshi Ishikawa1
1UPMC Eye Center, Eye and Ear Institute, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Ophthalmology
|June 6, 2006
Summary
Corneal drying significantly degrades optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan quality and nerve fiber layer thickness measurements. Frequent blinking or artificial tears are recommended to maintain accurate OCT results.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring eye conditions.
- Maintaining consistent ocular surface hydration is essential for reliable OCT imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of corneal drying on the diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography (OCT).
- To assess changes in scan quality and nerve fiber layer (NFL) thickness due to reduced corneal hydration.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 17 healthy participants.
- Serial StratusOCT scans were performed on eyes with experimentally induced corneal drying by eyelid taping.
- Scan quality (signal-to-noise ratio, signal strength) and mean nerve fiber layer thickness were measured.
Main Results:
- Corneal drying led to significant reductions in OCT signal-to-noise ratio, signal strength, and nerve fiber layer thickness.
- Nerve fiber layer thickness measurements deviated beyond the instrument's reproducibility limits after just 15 seconds of corneal drying.
- Reduced nerve fiber layer thickness persisted for up to 2 minutes after free blinking resumed.
Conclusions:
- Even brief periods of corneal dryness negatively affect OCT image quality and nerve fiber layer measurements.
- Recommendations include advising patients to blink frequently or use artificial tears before OCT scans.
- Ensuring adequate corneal hydration is vital for the clinical utility of OCT in ophthalmology.
