The corneo-scleral junction assessed with optical coherence tomography

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Imaging
• Anatomy

Background:

• The corneo-scleral junction (CSJ) is a critical anatomical landmark.
• Understanding its structure is essential for various ophthalmic procedures.
• Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT) offers high-resolution imaging of ocular structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the corneo-scleral junction (CSJ) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).
• To describe the interfusion pattern of the cornea and sclera based on tissue reflectivity.
• To investigate potential correlations between CSJ characteristics and ocular parameters.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 101 eyes undergoing vision correction assessment.
• AS-OCT horizontal scans to measure temporal and nasal CSJ width and reflectivity.
• Correlation and regression analyses performed with age, spherical equivalent, anterior chamber angle, and horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID).

Main Results:

• Temporal CSJ was significantly wider (median 1.62 mm) than nasal CSJ (median 1.18 mm).
• Temporal CSJ reflectivity was predominantly V- or U-shaped, while nasal CSJ was irregular in 47% of cases.
• Temporal CSJ width correlated negatively with anterior chamber angle and positively with HVID; nasal CSJ showed no significant correlations.

Conclusions:

• The temporal CSJ is wider and more regularly reflective than the nasal CSJ.
• CSJ width is independent of age and refractive error.
• AS-OCT analysis of CSJ morphology may enhance the accuracy of HVID measurements.