Correlation of anterior segment optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy in congenital corneal opacity

Purpose

To investigate the correlation between swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in congenital corneal opacity (CCO).

Methods

All children with unilateral or bilateral congenital corneal opacities who underwent examination under anesthesia (EUA) and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) imaging from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, were included. Main outcome measures were corneal and anterior segment evaluation and correlation of UBM and AS-OCT findings.

Results

A total of 22 eyes of 15 patients were imaged using both technologies. The age at first EUA ranged from 11 days to 4 years. Different phenotypes were classified based on the clinical examination, UBM, and AS-OCT findings. Fourteen eyes were diagnosed with Peters anomaly, congenital corneal staphyloma was observed in 4 eyes, 2 eyes had coloboma, 1 eye had peripheral sclerocornea, and 1 eye was diagnosed with congenital primary aphakia. AS-OCT and UBM findings were closely correlated in 18 of 22 eyes (82%) but AS-OCT failed to provide detailed information in 4 eyes (18%) where UBM revealed more details.

Conclusions

Although AS-OCT offers valuable preliminary data for initial assessment and counseling, it may not consistently provide precise assessments in all cases. Therefore, UBM should be considered for definitive evaluation.