Anterior optical coherence tomography: a non-contact technique for anterior chamber evaluation

Purpose To assess a new non-contact anterior optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for anterior chamber evaluation. Methods A new commercial 131-nm infrared light anterior OCT system was used for anterior chamber evaluation. Forty-four eyes of 35 subjects (18 normal subjects, 17 subjects with anterior chamber abnormalities) were enrolled in the study. Results Eyes were divided into those with narrowed, broadened and normal anterior chamber depth. Anterior chamber angle dynamics were assessed in three patients with angle-closure glaucoma and cataract extraction. Anterior OCT was also used for visualization of the anterior chamber (OCT goniometry) in a subject with multiple local anaesthetic allergies with phobia regarding conventional contact gonioscopy. Conclusions Anterior OCT is a new, easy-to-handle, non-contact technique that allows exact evaluation of anterior chamber parameters such as anterior chamber depth, chamber angle dynamics, corneal curvature and corneal thickness.