Corneal imaging with anterior segment optical coherence tomography for lamellar keratoplasty procedures

To assess and describe the uses of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the evaluation of the cornea before and after lamellar corneal transplantation procedures.

Prospective, noncomparative, observational case series.

Seven eyes of seven patients undergoing anterior and posterior lamellar corneal transplantation procedures at the Singapore National Eye Centre were included in the study. High-resolution anterior segment OCT scans of the cornea and anterior segment were performed both before and after lamellar transplantation procedures on the cornea with the Visante anterior segment OCT system (Visante OCT; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc, Dublin, California, USA), and the imaging findings were correlated with the clinical picture. Measurements of lamella thickness were performed with the software provided.

Anterior segment OCT images were able to provide valuable information on donor apposition, Descemet membrane detachment after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), posterior lamellar dislocation, primary graft failure, and anterior chamber crowding with consequent chamber angle encroachment and pupillary block after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).

Anterior segment OCT is a valuable imaging tool for assessing the feasibility of lamellar transplantation surgery in the diseased cornea and in the management of surgical complications after such procedures.