Imaging of Iris Lesions With High-Speed Optical Coherence Tomography

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To image and measure iris tumors with optical coherence tomography (OCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: High-speed (2,000-4,000 axial-scan/sec and 4-16 frames/sec) 1.3-micron wavelength anterior segment OCT prototypes were used to image 6 eyes of 6 patients with a variety of iris lesions, including focal iris nevus, diffuse iris nevus, amelanotic iris nevus, iris melanocytosis, and iris melanoma. OCT images were compared with slit-lamp photography and ultrasound biomicroscopy. RESULTS: OCT at 1.3-micron wavelength could penetrate the full thickness of the iris lesions and allow three-dimensional measurement of lesion size. Internal reflectivity is correlated with pigmentation. OCT is a convenient non-contact method that provides imaging of the clinically important angle structures (scleral spur and angle recess). CONCLUSIONS: OCT is a new imaging modality that complements slit-lamp photography and ultrasound biomicroscopy for serial evaluation of iris