Anterior segment optical coherence tomography: a tool for infectious keratitis

Infectious keratitis (IK) is a serious vision-threatening ophthalmologic emergency that can lead to irreversible complications such as blindness or corneal scarring. IK can be caused by various types of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses, which can cause an inflammatory response and penetrate deep into the cornea, leading to perforation in addition to scarring and ulceration. Given the need for thorough and rapid evaluation of patients with IK, effective ophthalmic imaging techniques that provide both quantitative and qualitative information are essential clinician tools. In this narrative review, we outline the benefits of anterior segment optical coherence tomography as a noninvasive, quantitative and qualitative modality for the supportive assessment of IK and for the longitudinal monitoring of corneal abnormalities that may result from infection.