Filtering Bleb Evaluation with Slit-lamp Adapted 1310 nm Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

¹Müller M., ¹Hoerauf H., ¹Geerling G., ²Scholz C., ³Birngruber R., ¹Laqua H.,
¹Medizinische Universität zu Lübeck, Klinik für Augenheilkunde (Lübeck)
²Medizinische Universität zu Lübeck, Medizinisches Laserzentrum (Lübeck)
³Medizinisches Laserzentrum Lübeck GmbH (Lübeck)

Purpose: Investigation of slit-lamp adapted optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a suitable tool for postoperative evaluation of filtering blebs after glaucoma surgery.
Method: The biomicroscopic alterations of filtering blebs of glaucoma patients were monitored in their postoperative course and compared with OCT images. A slit-lamp adapted 1310nm OCT (4optics, Luebeck) was used.
Results: Filtering blebs could be imaged by OCT and were correlated with the functional and morphologic findings. The internal structure and internal reflectivity of the filtering blebs, the scleral flap as well as the thickness of the filtering bleb were documented. In good functioning filtering blebs a low internal reflectivity with multiple fluid-filled small cysts was shown. A high internal reflectivity seems to indicate an earlier scarring of the filtering bleb.
Conclusions: With OCT it is possible to investigate the internal structure of filtering blebs in a non-contact-method. Therefore OCT is useful as an additional tool to evalate postoperative filtering blebs and potentially allows an earlier intervention in non-functioning filtering blebs.

Copyright © Deutsche Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft, 2002. All rights reserved.

Last updated: 

Webdesign: SPALLEK.COM