Comparison of corneal ulcer size and depth measurement by slit lamp and anterior segment optical coherence tomography

To evaluate the correlation between corneal ulcer size and depth measurements using slit lamp biomicroscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). A prospective, observational study was conducted on 100 patients with corneal ulcers at the Hind Institute of Medical Sciences after taking clearance from the ethical committee. Corneal ulcer parameters, including width, height, and depth, were measured and compared using both slit lamp biomicroscopy and AS-OCT. The mean age of patients was 45.74±13.61 years ranging from 22 to 78 years. Majority of patients were males (75%). Right eye was involved among more than half of patients (65%) followed by left eye (35%). The length and depth of infiltrate was significantly (p=0.001) lower by SLIT LAMP than ASOCT method observed by both the observers. The breadth of infiltrate was significantly (p<0.05) higher by SLIT LAMP than ASOCT method observed by both the observers. Corneal thickness measured by ASOCT was significantly (p=0.04) lower evaluated by observer 1 (637.76±135.26) than observer 2 (640.66±130.16). Highly significant positive (p=0.0001) correlation was found between SLIT and ASOCT in all the measurements evaluated by both the observers. AS-OCT provides accurate and non-invasive measurements of corneal ulcer depth, which is not possible with slit lamp biomicroscopy. The use of AS-OCT as an adjunctive modality can enhance diagnosis and management of corneal ulcers. This study highlights the utility of AS-OCT in monitoring disease activity and providing valuable imaging guidelines for clinicians.