Evaluation of cyclophotocoagulation effects with 1310-nm contact optical coherence tomography

Purpose: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate whether contact optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows visualization of the effects of cyclophotocoagulation. Methods: In this pilot study, transscleral contact OCT images (1310-nm wavelength) were generated prior to and immediately after conventional transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in three eyes of three patients who were suffering from uncontrolled glaucoma. Results: In the region of the ciliary body, transscleral contact OCT revealed two layers: (i) a superficial thick hyperreflective complex representing conjunctiva, the Tenon capsule, episclera, and sclera; and (ii) a thinner hyporeflective layer representing the ciliary body. The ciliary body could be differentiated from the overlying sclera by its marked drop in reflectivity. After cyclophotocoagulation, a marked increase of reflectivity in the treated area of the ciliary body was identifiable. After treatment, the distinct border between the hyperreflective scleral complex disappeared, and the region of the ciliary body appeared hyperreflective. The optical properties of the overlying sclera remained unchanged. On corresponding averaged A-scan images, scleral thickness appeared to be slightly increased, whereas ciliary body thickness remained unchanged. Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates the capability of contact OCT for allowing visualization of changes in the ciliary body after transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC). Further investigations are planned to clarify the complete significance of these data.