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To test the ability of the corneal epithelial pattern standard deviation to distinguish between normal and cases with corneal ectatic condition.Instituto de Olhos Renato Ambrósio, Rio de janeiro, Brazil.Cross-sectional retrospective study.Patients were stratified into four groups based on clinical data and.(Groups 1 and 2 comprised one eye randomly selected from 105 patients with normal corneas (N) and 86 patients with bilateral keratoconus (KC). Groups 3 and 4, respectively comprised 11 ectatic eyes with no surgical treatment for keratoconus (VAE-E) from patients whose fellow eyes (61) presented with normal topographic patterns (VAE-NT). Corneas were scanned using an OCT system (RT Vue) and Scheimpflug corneal tomography (Pentacam), and also had biomechanical assessment through the Corvis ST. Corneal epithelial thickness maps were analyzed and the pattern standard deviation (PSD) value was calculated. The area under the ROC curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the indices.Epithelial PSD was significantly different across the four groups (p0.0001). The pairwise comparison revealed that the normal group presented significantly lower values than both ectasia groups (KC and VAE-E, p0.0001) and the VAE-NT group (p=0.0008). There was no significant difference between KC and VAE-E (p=0.4284), while they were significantly higher than the VAE-NT group (p0.0001 and p=0.0004).Epithelial PSD can be used to detect abnormal epithelial thickness patterns. Corneal epithelial thickness changes could be detected accurately in keratoconus patients, even in the form fruste of the disease.

To measure net corneal astigmatism using optical coherence tomography (OCT) (Avanti) in individuals with keratoconus and compare the repeatability and accuracy with those obtained using Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam HR).Casey Eye Institute, Portland, Oregon.Prospective cross-sectional observational study.Net corneal astigmatism was calculated in keratoconic and normal eyes using OCT and Scheimpflug imaging with 4 settings-pupil or vertex centration settings with a 3 or 4 mm circular analytical zone. Corneal elevation maps were obtained from OCT images and fitted with the Zernike polynomials to obtain net corneal astigmatism. Manifest refraction astigmatism was used to evaluate the accuracy of net corneal astigmatism measurements. The coefficient of repeatability from 2 repeated measures was calculated.46 eyes with manifest or subclinical keratoconus and 52 normal control eyes were analyzed. For OCT measurements in keratoconus, better accuracy was achieved with pupil centration and 3 mm analytical zone; however, better repeatability was achieved with vertex centration and 4 mm analytical zone (coefficient of repeatability = 0.53 diopters, the Fligner-Killeen test with Bonferroni adjustment Pamp;lt; .0017). Agreement with manifest refraction was significantly better with OCT compared with that using Pentacam HR (generalized mixed-effect model with Bonferroni adjustment Pamp;lt; .00625). No statistically significant difference was found between instruments or settings in control eyes.OCT was able to measure net corneal astigmatism with better accuracy and precision in keratoconic eyes than the Pentacam HR. Measurements may be more accurate using pupil centration and a smaller analytical zone in patients with keratoconus.

Purpose To detect keratoconus using optical coherence tomography (OCT) corneal map parameters and patterns. Setting Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA DESIGN:: Cross-sectional observational study. Methods A spectral-domain OCT was used to acquire corneal and epithelial thickness maps in normal, manifest keratoconic, subclinical keratoconic, and forme fruste keratoconic (FFK) eyes. A two-step decision tree was designed. An eye will be classified as keratoconus if both decision tree conditions are met: First, at least one of the four quantitative corneal thickness (minimum, minimum-maximum, superonasal-inferotemporal) and epithelial thickness (standard deviation) map parameters exceed cutoff values. Second, presence of both concentric thinning pattern on the epithelial thickness map and coincident thinning patterns on corneal and epithelial thickness maps by visual inspection. Results The study was compromised of 54 eyes from 29 normal participants, 91 manifest keratoconic eyes from 65 patients, 12 subclinical keratoconic eyes from 11 patients, and 19 FFK eyes from 19 patients. The decision tree correctly classified all normal eyes (100% specificity), and had good sensitivities for detecting manifest keratoconus (97.8%), subclinical keratoconus (100.0%), and FFK (73.7%). Conclusions The two-step decision tree provided a useful tool to detect keratoconus including cases at early disease stages (subclinical keratoconus and FFK). OCT corneal and epithelial thickness map parameters and patterns can be used in conjunction with topography to improve keratoconus screening.

To analyze transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) results using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and develop a model to guide the laser dioptric and depth settings.Casey Eye Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA.Prospective nonrandomized case series.Patients with superficial corneal opacities and irregularities had transepithelial PTK with a flying-spot excimer laser by combining wide-zone myopic and hyperopic astigmatic ablations. Optical coherence tomography was used to calculate corneal epithelial lenticular masking effects, guide refractive laser settings, and measure opacity removal. The laser ablation efficiency and the refractive outcome were investigated using multivariate linear regression models.Twenty-six eyes of 20 patients received PTK to remove opacities and irregular astigmatism due to scar, dystrophy, radial keratotomy, or previous corneal surgeries. The uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity were significantly improved (P .01) by 3.7 Snellen lines and 2.0 Snellen lines, respectively, to a mean of 20/41.2 and 20/22.0, respectively. Achieved laser ablation depths were 31.3% (myopic ablation) and 63.0% (hyperopic ablation) deeper than the manufacturer's nomogram. The spherical equivalent of the corneal epithelial lenticular masking effect was 0.73 diopter ± 0.61 (SD). The refractive outcome highly correlated to the laser settings and epithelial lenticular masking effect (Pearson R = 0.96, P .01). The ablation rate of granular dystrophy opacities appeared to be slower. Smoothing ablation under masking fluid was needed to prevent focal steep islands in these cases.The OCT-measured ablation depth efficiency could guide opacity removal. The corneal epithelial lenticular masking effect could refine the spherical refractive nomogram to achieve a better refractive outcome after transepithelial ablation.

Purpose To distinguish between corneal ectasia and contact lens–related warpage by characteristic patterns on corneal topography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) epithelial thickness maps. Setting Casey Eye Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA. Design Prospective and retrospective case series. Methods Axial and mean power maps were obtained on corneal topography systems. Epithelial thickness maps were generated using RTVue OCT. A sector divider was applied to all maps. The locations of the minimum epithelial thickness, maximum epithelial thickness, maximum axial power, and maximum mean power were determined based on sector averages. Agreement was defined as the extremums occurring in the same or adjacent sectors. Results Twenty-one eyes with keratoconus, 6 eyes with forme fruste keratoconus (better eye of asymmetric keratoconus), and 15 eyes with contact lens–related warpage were identified. The keratoconus and forme fruste keratoconus eyes had coincident topographic steepening with epithelial thinning. The locations of minimum epithelial thickness and maximum axial power agreed in 90% of the keratoconic eyes, while the minimum epithelial thickness and maximum mean power agreed in 95% of them. Conversely, the warpage eyes had coincident topographic steepening with epithelial thickening and normal pachymetry maps. The locations of maximum epithelial thickness and maximum axial power agreed in 93% of the warpage eyes, while the maximum epithelial thickness and maximum mean power agreed in all warpage eyes. Conclusion Results show that epithelial thickness maps and corneal topographic maps are powerful synergistic tools in evaluating eyes with abnormal topography and can help differentiate between keratoconus and nonectatic conditions.

Purpose To screen for subclinical keratoconus by analyzing corneal, epithelial, and stromal thickness map patterns with Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Setting Four centers in the United States. Design Cross-sectional observational study. Methods Eyes of normal subjects, subclinical keratoconus eyes, and the topographically normal eye of a unilateral keratoconus patient were studied. Corneas were scanned using a 26 000 Hz Fourier-domain OCT system (RTVue). Normal subjects were divided into training and evaluation groups. Corneal, epithelial, and stromal thickness maps and derived diagnostic indices, including pattern standard deviation (PSD) variables and pachymetric map–based keratoconus risk scores, were calculated from the OCT data. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the indices. Results The study comprised 150 eyes of 83 normal subjects, 50 subclinical keratoconus eyes of 32 patients, and 1 topographically normal eye of a unilateral keratoconus patient. Subclinical keratoconus was characterized by inferotemporal thinning of the cornea, epithelium, and stroma. The PSD values for corneal ( P P P = .049) thickness maps were all significantly higher in subclinical keratoconic eyes than in the normal group. The diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher for PSD variables (pachymetric PSD, AUC = 0.941; epithelial PSD, AUC = 0.985; stromal PSD, AUC = 0.924) than for the pachymetric map–based keratoconus risk score (AUC = 0.735). Conclusions High-resolution Fourier-domain OCT could map corneal, epithelial, and stromal thicknesses. Corneal and sublayer thickness changes in subclinical keratoconus could be detected with high accuracy using PSD variables. These new diagnostic variables might be useful in the detection of early keratoconus. Financial Disclosures Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and Drs. Li, Tan, and Huang have a significant financial interest in Optovue, Inc. These potential conflicts have been reviewed and managed by OHSU. Dr. Brass receives research grants from Optovue, Inc. Drs. Chamberlain and Weiss have no financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Purpose To evaluate the interface quality of different corneal lamellar–cut depths with the femtosecond laser and determine a feasible range of depth for femtosecond laser–assisted lamellar anterior keratoplasty. Setting Casey Eye Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA. Design Experimental study. Methods Full lamellar cuts were made on 20 deepithelialized human cadaver corneas using the femtosecond laser. The cut depth was 17% to 21% (100 μm), 31%, 35%, 38% to 40%, and 45% to 48% of the central stromal thickness. Scanning electron microscopy images of the cap and bed surfaces were subjectively graded for ridge and roughness using a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = best). The graft–host match was evaluated by photography and optical coherence tomography in a simulated procedure. Results The ridge score was correlated with the cut depth ( P = .0078, R = 0.58) and better correlated with the percentage cut depth ( P = .00024, R = 0.73). The shallowest cuts had the fewest ridges (score 1.25). The 31% cut depth produced significantly fewer ridges (score 2.15) than deeper cuts. The roughness score ranged from 2.19 to 3.08 for various depths. A simulated procedure using a 100 μm host cut and a 177 μm (31%) graft had a smooth interface and flush anterior junction using an inverted side-cut design. Conclusions The femtosecond laser produced more ridges in deeper lamellar cuts. A depth setting of 31% stromal thickness might produce adequate surface quality for femtosecond laser–assisted lamellar anterior keratoplasty. The inverted side-cut design produced good edge apposition even when the graft was thicker than the host lamellar–cut depth. Financial Disclosure Proprietary or commercial disclosures are listed after the references.

Purpose To use Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure corneal power and calculate intraocular lens (IOL) power in cataract surgeries after laser vision correction. Setting Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, and Cullen Eye Institute, Houston, Texas, USA. Design Prospective comparative case series. Methods Patients with previous myopic laser vision correction who had monofocal IOL implantation were enrolled. A Fourier-domain OCT system was used to measure corneal power and pachymetry. Axial length and anterior chamber depth were measured with partial coherence biometry. An OCT-based IOL formula was developed, and the mean absolution error (MAE) of postoperative refraction was compared with that for the Haigis-L formula. At Doheny, corneal power was also measured using the clinical history method, the contact lens overrefraction method, and slit-scanning tomography total optical power. Results Sixteen eyes of 16 patients were enrolled at the 2 sites. Previous laser vision correction ranged from −9.81 to −0.88 diopter (D). The MAE was 0.50 D for OCT-based IOL calculation and 0.76 D for the Haigis-L formula ( P =.14). In the 6 eyes enrolled at Doheny, the MAE of OCT-based IOL calculation was 0.60 D. In comparison, the contact lens overrefraction (MAE = 1.46 D, P P P >.05). Conclusion The predictive accuracy of OCT-based IOL power calculation was equal to or better than current standards in post-laser vision correction eyes. Financial Disclosures Drs. Tang, Li, and Huang receive grant support from Optovue Inc., Fremont, California, USA. Dr. Huang received patent royalty, stock options, travel support, and speaker honorarium from Optovue, Inc., and receives patent royalty from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology related to optical coherence tomography technology licensed to Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. Dr. Wang received research support from Ziemer USA, Inc., Alton, Illinois, USA. Dr. Koch is a consultant to Alcon Surgical, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, USA.

Purpose To evaluate the repeatability of Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements of the thickness of femtosecond laser–created laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flaps. Setting Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA. Design Case series, evaluation of diagnostic technology. Methods In this consecutive series, Fourier-domain OCT (RTVue) was used to measure flap thickness 1 week after LASIK. Flaps were created with a Pulsion 60 kHz femtosecond laser programmed for 110 μm flap thickness. Each eye was scanned 2 times with a radial pachymetry pattern and 1 time with a horizontal line scan. Flap thicknesses were measured at 6 positions across the corneal flap (ie, ±0.5 mm, ±1.5 mm, and ±2.5 mm from the center on the horizontal and vertical meridians). The within-grader flap thickness repeatability and between-grader reproducibility were calculated by pooled standard deviations (SDs). Results Twenty-one eyes were measured. The mean flap thickness measurements were highly predictable at all positions. Thickness SDs varied from 5.3 to 9.5 μm and uniformity, from 121.7 to 126.5 μm. The within-grader repeatability was 3.3 to 6.4 μm based on the same image measured at different times and 4.7 to 7.4 μm for different images. The between-grader reproducibility was 4.0 to 9.0 μm. There was no statistically significant asymmetry between the nasal side and the temporal side, the superior side and the inferior side, or the pericentral area and the central area of the corneal flap. Conclusions The femtosecond laser created LASIK flaps with uniform and predictable thicknesses. Fourier-domain OCT gave highly repeatable flap-thickness measurements. Financial Disclosure Drs. Rosas Salaroli, Zhang, Branco Ramos, and Allemann have no financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Additional disclosures are found in the footnotes.

To evaluate the repeatability of Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) pachymetric mapping and compare central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements by OCT, ultrasound pachymetry, and scanning-slit tomography.Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.A Fourier-domain OCT system was used to map the corneal thickness in normal eyes with scans centered on the corneal vertex or the pupil. Repeatability of central and pericentral map sectors was assessed by pooled standard deviation. The CCT measurements were compared between the OCT, ultrasound, and scanning-slit devices.Pupil centration (SD: 1.3 microm central, 1.8 to 3.8 microm pericentral) provided better repeatability than vertex centration (SD: 1.7 microm central, 2.4 to 5.7 microm pericentral) in all sectors (P.035). The mean CCT was 536.9 microm +/- 27.0 (SD) by OCT, 556.6 +/- 30.5 microm by ultrasound, and 537.2 +/- 32.6 microm by scanning-slit tomography (acoustic factor 0.92). The CCT measured by OCT was significantly thinner than by ultrasound pachymetry (P = .007; mean difference -19.7 microm; 95% limits of agreement [LoA], -40.4 to 0.9 microm) but not than by scanning-slit tomography (P = .2637; mean difference -0.3 microm; 95% LoA, -24.0 to 23.5 microm). The CCT by OCT correlated well with ultrasound and scanning-slit CCTs (r = 0.940 and r = 0.934, respectively).Pachymetric mapping with Fourier-domain OCT was highly repeatable. Repeatability was better with pupil-centered scans than with corneal vertex-centered scans. Ultrasound pachymetry, Fourier-domain OCT, and scanning-slit tomography should not be used interchangeably for CCT assessment.

Purpose To investigate intrastromal corneal ring segment depth with a high-speed corneal optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. Setting Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA. Methods A prospective observational case series comprised 4 eyes of 4 patients receiving Intacs intrastromal corneal ring segments (Addition Technology, Inc.) for keratoconus. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed between 7 days and 43 days after implantation. Results The slitlamp impression of intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation depth did not correlate well with OCT measurements ( r 2 = 0.68). The fractional implantation depth was correlated with several surgical variables using a stepwise multivariate regression model, and 2 statistically significant correlations were found. The position of the distal portions of the ring segments was shallower than that of the portion closer to the insertion site ( P = .003). Segments placed in the inferior cornea ( P = .008) experienced more distal shallowing. Shallower depth was associated with greater fractional anterior stromal compression ( P = .04). Conclusions Shallower placement of intrastromal corneal ring segments may result in more complications, such as epithelial–stromal breakdown and extrusion, because of the greater anterior stromal tensile strain. The distal and inferior portions of intrastromal corneal ring segments tended to be placed at a shallower depth. Optical coherence tomography provided precise measurement of ring segment depth and may help identify implants that pose a greater risk for depth-related complications.

Purpose To report applications of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the management of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) related problems. Setting Doheny Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA. Methods Five patients referred for LASIK-related problems were enrolled in a prospective observational study. Clinical examination, ultrasound (US) pachymetry, Placido ring slit-scanning corneal topography (Orbscan II, Bausch & Lomb), and high-speed corneal OCT were performed. Results In cases of regression and keratectasia, OCT provided thickness measurements of the cornea, flap, and posterior stromal bed. Locations of tissue loss and flap interface planes were identified in a case with a recut enhancement complication. The information was used to determine whether further laser ablation was safe, confirm keratectasia, and manage complications. Optical coherence tomography measurements of central corneal thickness agreed well with US pachymetry measurements (difference 6.4 μm ± 11.7 [SD]) ( P = .026), while Orbscan significantly underestimated corneal thickness (−67.5 ± 72.5 μm) ( P = .17). Conclusions High-speed OCT provided noncontact imaging and measurement of LASIK anatomy. It was useful in monitoring LASIK results and evaluating complications.

Purpose To investigate the effect of laser spot size on the outcome of aberration correction with scanning laser corneal ablation. Setting Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Methods Corrections of wavefront aberrations of Zernike modes from the second to eighth order were simulated. Gaussian and top-hat beams of 0.6 to 2.0 mm full-width-half-maximum diameters were modeled. The fractional correction and secondary aberration (distortion) were evaluated. Results Using a distortion/correction ratio of less than 0.5 as a cutoff for adequate performance, a 2.0 mm or smaller beam was adequate for spherocylindrical correction (Zernike second order), a 1.0 mm or smaller beam was adequate for correction of up to fourth-order Zernike modes, and a 0.6 mm or smaller beam was adequate for correction of up to sixth-order Zernike modes. Conclusions Since ocular aberrations above the Zernike fourth order are relatively insignificant in normal eyes, current scanning lasers with a beam diameter of 1.0 mm or less are theoretically capable of eliminating most higher-order aberrations.

To develop a nomogram for femtosecond laser astigmatic keratotomy (AK) to treat post-keratoplasty astigmatism.Three academic medical centers.Retrospective interventional case series.A review of post-keratoplasty femtosecond laser AK was performed. Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, manifest refraction, and keratometry were recorded preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The location, length, depth, and diameter of the AK incisions were recorded, and the surgically induced astigmatic correction was related to these variables using regression analysis.One hundred forty femtosecond laser AK procedures were performed after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) (n = 129) or deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) (n =11), with 89 procedures (80 PKP, 9 DALK) included in the analysis. The mean CDVA improved from 20/59 (0.47 logMAR ± 0.38 [SD]) preoperatively to 20/45 (0.35 ± 0.31 logMAR) postoperatively (P = .013) (n = 46). The mean keratometric astigmatism decreased from 8.26 ± 2.90 diopters (D) preoperatively to 3.62 ± 2.59 D postoperatively (P.0001) (n = 89). The mean refractive cylinder decreased from 6.77 ± 2.80 D preoperatively to 2.85 ± 2.57 D postoperatively (P.0001) (n = 69). A nomogram for femtosecond laser AK to treat post-keratoplasty astigmatism was generated using regression analysis.Femtosecond laser AK significantly improved UDVA and CDVA and significantly reduced keratometric astigmatism and refractive cylinder after keratoplasty. The nomogram generated should improve the accuracy of post-keratoplasty femtosecond laser AK.None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Purpose: To determine the requirements for maintaining a stable anterior chamber during bimanual irrigation and aspiration (I/A) using side-port cannulas. Setting: Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Methods: A theoretical fluid dynamic model of the closed I/A system was developed. Model predictions were compared with experimental flow measurements made on the Alcon Legacy 20000 system using a number of commercial and custom I/A cannulas. Results: Bore diameter, length, and orifice size determine the pressure-flow relationship of cannulas. Four of 18 tested irrigation cannulas were able to maintain anterior chamber stability when used with a 23-gauge/0.3 mm orifice aspiration cannula and maximum aspiration settings. All 4 had a 21-gauge lumen diameter. A shorter cannula length also contributed to higher flow. Conclusions: Anterior chamber stability during bimanual I/A required the irrigation system to have lower flow resistance than the aspiration system, which can be provided by using cannulas with larger lumen diameters and shorter lengths. Special cannula designs can provide these characteristics without requiring larger side-port incisions.

Uneventful myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) was performed in both eyes of a 33-year-old woman. Two weeks after LASIK, examination of the left eye revealed flap striae radiating inferonasally from the superior hinge. The flap was relifted and repositioned to remove the irregular astigmatism and reduce the striae. Before the flap was relifted, Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) showed the gap at the temporal flap, which had not been detected by biomicroscopy. After the flap was relifted, FD-OCT documented that the gap was closed. High-resolution FD-OCT was helpful in the visualization and management of flap displacement.

Purpose To develop an optical coherence tomography (OCT) pachymetry map–based keratoconus risk scoring system. Settings Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, and Brass Eye Center, New York, New York, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods Fourier-domain OCT was used to acquire corneal pachymetry maps in normal and keratoconus subjects. Pachymetric variables were minimum, minimum−median, superior–inferior (S–I), superonasal–inferotemporal (SN–IT), and the vertical location of the thinnest cornea (Ymin). A logistic regression formula and a scoring system were developed based on these variables. Keratoconus diagnostic accuracy was measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results One hundred thirty-three eyes of 67 normal subjects and 82 eyes from 52 keratoconus subjects were recruited. The keratoconus logistic regression formula = 0.543 × minimum + 0.541 × (S–I) − 0.886 × (SN–IT) + 0.886 × (minimum–median) + 0.0198 × Ymin. The formula gave better diagnostic power with the area under the ROC than the best single variable (formula = 0.975, minimum = 0.942; P P =.08). Conclusion The OCT corneal pachymetry map–based logistic regression formula and the keratoconus risk scoring system provided high accuracy in keratoconus detection. These methods may be useful in keratoconus screening. Financial Disclosure Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and Drs. Huang, Li, and Tang have a significant financial interest in Optovue, Inc., a company that may have a commercial interest in the results of this research and technology. These potential conflicts of interest has been reviewed and managed by OHSU. Dr. Brass receives speaker honoraria from Optovue, Inc. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Purpose To study the architecture of clear corneal incisions for phacoemulsification cataract surgery using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Setting Doheny Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA. Methods This prospective study comprised 20 eyes of 20 patients 1 month after cataract surgery performed by 1 of 2 experienced surgeons. Temporal clear corneal single-plane incisions were made with 3.0 mm metal keratomes. Each eye was scanned before and 1 month after surgery with a prototype high-speed anterior segment OCT system (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.). The OCT scans were repeated 3 times during the same visit. The length of the corneal incision, thickness of the cornea, and position of the incision (distance from external wound edge to scleral spur) were measured using a computer caliper. The angle of the incision relative to the corneal surface was then calculated. Results The mean corneal incision length was 1.81 mm ± 0.27 (SD), the mean corneal thickness at the incision was 747 ± 67μm, and the mean distance between the incision and the scleral spur was 1.46 ± 0.24 mm. The mean angle of the incision was 26.8 ± 5.5 degrees. The measurements were repeatable to within ±0.072 mm (pooled standard deviation) for the incision length, ±11 μm for the corneal thickness, and ±0.042 mm for the position of the incision. Conclusions Optical coherence tomography allowed excellent evaluation of corneal incisions in cataract surgery postoperatively. Measurements of wound dimensions using OCT were highly repeatable.

Purpose To analyze in vivo the architecture of clear corneal incisions (CCIs) for phacoemulsification using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Setting Anterior Segment Department, Asociacion Para Evitar la Ceguera en Mexico, Hospital Dr Luis Sanchez Bulnes, Mexico. Methods A prospective masked study analyzed 20 unsutured CCIs placed superiorly and created in a uniplanar fashion with a 3.2 mm slit-angled metal keratome. All wounds were evaluated with a retinal OCT model 1, 3, and 30 days postoperatively. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and incision leakage were checked. The architecture was described according to the angle of incidence, apposition of the epithelial and endothelial margins, and wound sealing. Results No leakage was detected. The angle varied from 33 to 85 degrees; angles greater than 75 degrees were done by a surgeon in training. Wound apposition at the epithelial margin was achieved in all cases. In contrast, imperfect apposition of the endothelial margin was seen in 45% of incisions on day 1 and in 15% on day 30. Incomplete sealing of the wound was seen by OCT in 25% of cases at 24 hours and persisted in 10% of all cases at 1 month. This gaping occurred on the endothelial side and never translated to the epithelial margin. No statistical correlation was found between gaping and the angle of the incision, IOP variations, or surgeon experience. Conclusions Although in vivo CCIs caused minor anatomic imperfections, they were clinically stable independent of incision angle, IOP variation, and surgeon experience. Incision stability may be related to careful wound construction, epithelial viability, stromal edema, and efficient endothelial pumping.