High-Quality Images of the Anterior and Posterior Segments Obtained With an Integrated OCT System

The SL SCAN-1 (Topcon Europe Medical BV, Capelle a/d IJssel, Netherlands), a Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) imaging system integrated into a slit lamp, provides high quality images of both anterior and posterior segments, as demonstrated in our two studies in Eye^1,2 (Figure 1). To evaluate this device, we observed representative pathologies of the posterior and anterior segments with the slit lamp and simultaneously scanned with the SL SCAN-1. The OCT system did not interfere with the normal functionality of the slit lamp.

We compared the quality of images of the posterior segment made with the device with images made by a standalone FD-OCT system (3D-OCT-1000 Mark II, Topcon). Posterior pole images made with the slit-lamp–integrated FD-OCT were of sufficient quality to allow correct interpretation of the observed pathologic conditions. Conclusions based on the images of the posterior segment taken with the SL SCAN-1 were identical to the conclusions based on the images made with the standalone FD-OCT system.

Additionally, images could be made of the anterior segment, providing high-quality images of the cornea and the iris. The images provided detailed information of corneal pathology (lattice dystrophy; Figure 2) and visualized the position of a Baerveldt tube (Abbott Medical Optics Inc., Santa Ana, California) in the anterior chamber (Figure 3). Using a three-mirror contact lens, the anterior chamber angle could be scanned through the gonio mirror (Figure 4). The other mirrors of the three-mirror contact lens could be used to obtain scans of the peripheral retina.

With the SL SCAN-1, OCT scans can be obtained during slit-lamp examinations. High-quality OCT images can be made of lesions observed with the slit lamp in the anterior and posterior segments, including lesions visible only through a three-mirror contact lens. We found that this device increased the efficiency of examination and accuracy of diagnosis. We also found that combining slitlamp examinations and OCT scans improved patient comfort, reducing the examination time by needing to use only one device.

M. Stehouwer, MD, is with the Department of Ophthalmology at the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Dr. Stehouwer states that she has no financial interest in the products or companies mentioned. She may be reached at e-mail: m.stehouwer@amc.uva.nl.

Frank Verbraak, MD, PhD, is with the Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Engineering and Physics at the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Dr. Verbraak states that he is a member of Topcon’s advisory board. He may be reached at e-mail: f.d.verbraak@amc.nl.

1. Stehouwer M,Verbraak FD,de Vries H,Kok PH,van Leeuwen TG.Fourier domain optical coherence tomography integrated into a slit lamp;a novel technique combining anterior and posterior segment OCT.Eye (Lond). 2010;24(6):980-984.
2. Stehouwer M,Verbraak FD,de Vries HR,van Leeuwen TG.Scanning beyond the limits of standard OCT with a Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography integrated into a slit lamp:the SL SCAN-1.Eye (Lond). 2011:25(1):97-104.