Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in a Normal Iris

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a new imaging technique for examining the macular region in many retinal diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the applicability of OCTA to detect iris vascularization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The irises of 28 eyes of 14 patients were examined with AngioVue OCT (Optovue, Fremont, CA). The usual technique was modified using the AngioRetina mode, but with the anterior segment optical adaptor lens, and without autofocus, while making manual adjustments. OCTA scans were captured in both eyes, always by the same operator. The images were acquired in 3 x 3 and 6 x 6 volume cubes. Raw data were then exported and split using an external tool provided by Optovue to obtain three-dimensional (3-D) iris reconstruction. RESULTS: In all eyes, OCTA showed the arterial system more superficially and the venous system more deeply in 3-D reconstruction. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of a study of the vascularization and 3-D reconstruction of the normal iris with OCTA. The method detects iris vascular network and indirectly provides information on the retinal circulation in situations where this is not visible without injecting sodium fluorescein.