Study: OCT an easy, effective screening method for narrow angle glaucoma

Optical coherence tomography produces similar results as ultrasound biomicroscopy and is easier to use, according to an observational comparative study performed by Sunita Radhakrishnan, MD, and colleagues.

The purpose of the study was to assess the accuracy of the classification of narrow anterior chamber angles using the two methods to screen patients who may be at risk for narrow angle glaucoma.

Primary angle closure glaucoma is highly prevalent in certain regions of the world,” the study authors wrote. “Although prospective data are currently lacking, it is widely believed that treating anatomically narrow angles with a laser periphery iridotomy may prevent development of angle closure. Therefore, early detection of anatomically narrow angles is important.”

For the study, a high-speed anterior segment OCT prototype was developed using a 1.3-µm light source. Seventeen eyes of 17 normal subjects and 14 eyes of seven subjects with narrow angle glaucoma were enrolled.

Each subject underwent gonioscopy, OCT and UBM, and quantitative anterior chamber angle parameters were taken from OCT and UBM images.

The authors found that eight of the 31 eyes were classified as having narrow angles. The anterior chamber angle parameters measured by OCT and UBM were similar and effective in identifying eyes that had narrow angles.

OCT, however, was easier to use than UBM, and it did not require contact with the eye, the authors wrote.

“Optical coherence tomography is a promising method for screening individuals at risk for narrow angle glaucoma,” they said.