New algorithm for corneal densitometry assessment based on anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Corneal densitometry is a crucial parameter in ophthalmology.
• Objective and standardized measurement methods are needed for accurate assessment.
• Swept source anterior segment ocular coherence tomography (SS-AS-OCT) offers high-resolution imaging of the cornea.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel algorithm for quantifying corneal densitometry from SS-AS-OCT images.
• To establish normative corneal densitometry values in a healthy population.
• To validate the algorithm's capability for objective assessment.

Main Methods:

• A MATLAB-based algorithm was developed to segment the cornea into anterior, posterior, and mid-stroma layers.
• The cornea was analyzed in two concentric areas: 0-2 mm and 2-4 mm.
• Mean corneal densitometry was calculated in grayscale units (GSU) for 111 healthy participants (195 eyes).

Main Results:

• The mid-stroma layer showed the highest densitometry (87.4 ± 12.1 GSU), while the anterior layer had the lowest (81.9 ± 14.2 GSU).
• The central 0-2 mm area exhibited significantly higher densitometry (97.8 ± 12.7 GSU) than the 2-4 mm area.
• No significant correlation was found between corneal densitometry and participant gender or age.

Conclusions:

• The developed MATLAB algorithm provides an objective method for assessing corneal densitometry using SS-AS-OCT.
• This study presents standard, normative data for corneal densitometry, beneficial for clinical diagnosis and research.
• The findings support the utility of SS-AS-OCT in detailed corneal analysis.