Micrometer-scale resolution imaging of the anterior eye in vivo with optical coherence tomography.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate a new diagnostic technique, optical coherence tomography, for high-resolution cross-sectional imaging of structures in the anterior segment of the human eye in vivo. Optical coherence tomography is a new, noninvasive, noncontact optical imaging modality that has spatial resolution superior to that of conventional clinical ultrasonography (< 20 microns) and high sensitivity (dynamic range, > 90 dB).


METHODS
Survey of intraocular structure and dimension measurements.


METHODS
Laboratory.


METHODS
Convenience sample.


METHODS
Correlation with range of accepted normal intraocular structure profiles and dimensions.


RESULTS
Direct in vivo measurements with micrometer-scale resolution were performed of corneal thickness and surface profile (including visualization of the corneal epithelium), anterior chamber depth and angle, and iris thickness and surface profile. Dense nuclear cataracts were successfully imaged through their full thickness in a cold cataract model in calf eyes in vitro.


CONCLUSIONS
Optical coherence tomography has potential as a diagnostic tool for applications in noncontact biometry, anterior chamber angle assessment, identification and monitoring of intraocular masses and tumors, and elucidation of abnormalities of the cornea, iris, and crystalline lens.
Izatt
J A
JA
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge.
Hee
M R
MR
Swanson
E A
EA
Lin
C P
CP
Huang
D
D
Schuman
J S
JS
Puliafito
C A
CA
Fujimoto
J G
JG
D000867:Anterior Chamber / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D007368:Interferometry; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014054:Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography