[Capabilities of optical coherence tomography in examination of senile scleral plaques]

Senile scleral plaque (SSP) is a degenerative disease of the sclera manifested by the appearance of gray spots with clearly defined borders anteriorly from the insertion site of horizontal rectus muscles. Even with minimal changes over time changes over time are minor, SSP weakens the structural function of the sclera and creates a risk of a complicated course associated with scleromalacia. Interest in the study of SSP is increasing due to the growing number of transscleral intravitreal injections.

To assess the morphological characteristics of SSP using spectral optical coherence tomography (OCT).

The study examined 13 patients (21 eyes) with average age of 77.1±6.3 years. OCT scanning was performed to determine OCT signs of SSP, the length (parallel to the limb), the width and height of the SSP, as well as the depth and thickness of the overlying sclera.

A combination of nasal and temporal SSP was observed in 14 eyes, and nasal only SSP was detected in 6 eyes. In all cases, OCT presented a characteristic picture of SSP observed as an intrascleral cavity with hyperreflective content with lower reflectivity than the surrounding tissues, and clear borders represented by unchanged scleral fibers. The length of the SSP parallel to the limb was 3296±820 µm, the width - 2312±436 µm, the height of the SSP cavity - 482±89 µm. The depth of SSP site was 213±36 µm, the thickness of the overlying sclera - 125±29 µm.

Updated information about SSP structure can be used in the development of standard surgical algorithms contributing to prevention of postoperative complications.