Evaluation of contrast agents for enhanced visualization in optical coherence tomography

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmic imaging
• Biomedical optics

Background:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is crucial for ophthalmic diagnostics.
• Enhancing OCT contrast can improve visualization of ocular structures and pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of three contrast agents in spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) for ophthalmic applications.
• To assess the unique reflectivity profiles and contrast enhancement capabilities of these agents.

Main Methods:

• Three agents—prednisolone acetate (PA), triamcinolone acetonide (TA), and lipid-based artificial tears (LBAT)—were tested in porcine eyes using hand-held SD-OCT.
• Anterior segment imaging was performed at multiple ocular sites, with quantitative intensity analysis.
• PA was also applied to human subjects post-cataract surgery for topical and wound interface imaging.

Main Results:

• All tested agents increased OCT reflectivity compared to controls.
• PA and LBAT exhibited smooth, bright reflectivity, while TA showed a granular profile.
• Improved visualization of tissue interfaces was observed, with PA demonstrating contrast enhancement in human subjects.

Conclusions:

• Contrast agents significantly enhance OCT imaging and improve visualization of ocular tissue interfaces.
• Each agent possesses a distinct reflectivity profile.
• Potential future uses include evaluating wound stability, intraocular fluidics, and ocular surface disease.