The Anterior Segment Module on the SPECTRALIS OCT permits the capture and analysis of high -resolution images of the anterior segment. This gives your doctor the ability to assess the different layers of the cornea and other structures such as the anterior chamber and iris in exquisite detail. The imaging lens also offers a unique ability to assess angle structures that is of particular importance in glaucoma patients.
In anterior segment optical coherence tomography or anterior segment OCT, cross-sectional images of the anterior segment and cornea are produced using a mechanism of optical back scattering of light. Anterior segment OCT is a noncontact non-invasive technique that provides the ability to image the anterior segment in a non-contact, painless non-invasive technique that provides very high image resolution compared to other technologies such as UBM.
Image resolution is approximately 10 µm compared to the usual 35 to 70 µm image resolution available by using the UBM. The scanning process is also much faster reducing the image acquisition time is therefore reduced making it far more comfortable for a patient.
Just like other technologies like the Pentacam system, additionally anterior segment OCT is designed to help surgeons doing cataract or refractive surgery as well as those providing glaucoma care. Pre survival evaluation of patient undergoing refractive surgery is aided by the exquisite amount of detail seen in the anterior segment of different structures such as the cornea, iris, chamber angle and the lens.
The anterior segment OCT is extremely important in both the preoperative and post-operative analysis of corneal endothelial diseases such as Fuchs corneal endothelial dystrophy.
In new procedures such as endothelial keratoplasty, the flap position is extremely important and appropriate position is assessed during the post-operative course using anterior segment OCT. In endothelial keratoplasty such as DMEK, this OCT is performed as it helps determine the position of the graft, once it has been placed and ensures the best possible outcomes for a patient after the surgical procedure.
