Anterior segment optical coherence tomography for imaging the sub-Tenon space

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• The sub-Tenon space is crucial for ocular drug delivery.
• Accurate visualization of this space is challenging during injections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the capability of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in imaging the sub-Tenon space.
• To assess the clinical application of AS-OCT during sub-Tenon injections.

Main Methods:

• High-speed AS-OCT was utilized to visualize the sub-Tenon space during sub-Tenon injections.
• Analysis included sub-Tenon spaces, Tenon and conjunctiva-Tenon thickness, cannula position, and drug distribution.
• 12 patients undergoing sub-Tenon injection were included.

Main Results:

• AS-OCT successfully visualized the sub-Tenon spaces in 12 of 11 patients up to 10-13 mm from the limbus.
• Mean conjunctiva-Tenon thickness was 0.38 ± 0.08 mm, and Tenon thickness was 0.21 ± 0.07 mm.
• Drug distribution was tracked, with no observed complications like chemosis or perforation.

Conclusions:

• AS-OCT is effective for imaging the sub-Tenon space.
• This imaging modality is particularly useful for confirming drug localization during depot injections in ophthalmology.