Anterior segment imaging in glaucoma: An updated review

Abstract

Anterior segment imaging allows for an objective method of visualizing the anterior segment angle. Two of the most commonly used devices for anterior segment imaging include the anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and the ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). AS-OCT technology has several types, including time-domain, swept-source, and spectral-domain-based configurations. We performed a literature search on PubMed for articles containing the text “anterior segment OCT,” “ultrasound biomicroscopy,” and “anterior segment imaging” since 2004, with some pertinent references before 2004 included for completeness. This review compares the advantages and disadvantages of AS-OCT and UBM, and summarizes the most recent literature regarding the importance of these devices in glaucoma diagnosis and management. These devices not only aid in visualization of the angle, but also have important postsurgical applications in bleb and tube imaging.

Dynamic changes in scleral filtration openings following trabeculectomy with laser suture lysis and prognostic correlation

“…Clinical assessment of bleb morphology is critical for predicting long-term IOP control and guiding early intervention 16 . Existing grading systems (e.g., IBAGS, MBGS, and BAGS) are based on slit-lamp photography 3 , while other approaches evaluate internal bleb parameters using UBM or AS-OCT, such as cavity dimensions and wall thickness/intensity 17 . However, the high variability of bleb structure, especially in cases with multiple irregular cavities or spongy walls, limits the predictive value of these parameters 18 .…”

Dynamic changes in scleral filtration openings following trabeculectomy with laser suture lysis and prognostic correlation

“…Clinical assessment of bleb morphology is critical for predicting long-term IOP control and guiding early intervention 16 . Existing grading systems (e.g., IBAGS, MBGS, and BAGS) are based on slit-lamp photography 3 , while other approaches evaluate internal bleb parameters using UBM or AS-OCT, such as cavity dimensions and wall thickness/intensity 17 . However, the high variability of bleb structure, especially in cases with multiple irregular cavities or spongy walls, limits the predictive value of these parameters 18 .…”

Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis of Ophthalmic Imaging Technology for Glaucoma Diagnosis from 2015 to 2024

“…Imaging techniques for the anterior segment encompass AS-OCT, high-frequency UBM. 12 Clinical assessment involves parameters such as AC depth, width, angle-opening distance, AC angle, and iris slope. AS-OCT offers high-resolution images for visualizing AC depth, angle width, and iris thickness, whereas UBM excels in assessing deeper AC and angle structures through ultrasound.…”

Clinical Applications of Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography: An Updated Review

“…The advances and commercialization of AS-OCT since its first introduction in 1994 have led to increased clinical applications, and it is likely to change the way ophthalmologists diagnose and manage anterior segment conditions. While we did not cover this in our review, AS-OCT also has significant applications in glaucoma due to its ability to image the anterior segment angle [183]. The rich datasets produced by AS-OCT will likely pave the way for future applications with artificial intelligence as a clinical diagnostic aid [184].…”

Dynamic changes in scleral filtration openings following trabeculectomy with laser suture lysis and prognostic correlation

“…Clinical assessment of bleb morphology is critical for predicting long-term IOP control and guiding early intervention 16 . Existing grading systems (e.g., IBAGS, MBGS, and BAGS) are based on slit-lamp photography 3 , while other approaches evaluate internal bleb parameters using UBM or AS-OCT, such as cavity dimensions and wall thickness/intensity 17 . However, the high variability of bleb structure, especially in cases with multiple irregular cavities or spongy walls, limits the predictive value of these parameters 18 .…”

Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis of Ophthalmic Imaging Technology for Glaucoma Diagnosis from 2015 to 2024

“…Imaging techniques for the anterior segment encompass AS-OCT, high-frequency UBM. 12 Clinical assessment involves parameters such as AC depth, width, angle-opening distance, AC angle, and iris slope. AS-OCT offers high-resolution images for visualizing AC depth, angle width, and iris thickness, whereas UBM excels in assessing deeper AC and angle structures through ultrasound.…”

Clinical Applications of Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography: An Updated Review

“…The advances and commercialization of AS-OCT since its first introduction in 1994 have led to increased clinical applications, and it is likely to change the way ophthalmologists diagnose and manage anterior segment conditions. While we did not cover this in our review, AS-OCT also has significant applications in glaucoma due to its ability to image the anterior segment angle [183]. The rich datasets produced by AS-OCT will likely pave the way for future applications with artificial intelligence as a clinical diagnostic aid [184].…”

Dynamic changes in scleral filtration openings following trabeculectomy with laser suture lysis and prognostic correlation

“…Clinical assessment of bleb morphology is critical for predicting long-term IOP control and guiding early intervention 16 . Existing grading systems (e.g., IBAGS, MBGS, and BAGS) are based on slit-lamp photography 3 , while other approaches evaluate internal bleb parameters using UBM or AS-OCT, such as cavity dimensions and wall thickness/intensity 17 . However, the high variability of bleb structure, especially in cases with multiple irregular cavities or spongy walls, limits the predictive value of these parameters 18 .…”

Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis of Ophthalmic Imaging Technology for Glaucoma Diagnosis from 2015 to 2024

“…Imaging techniques for the anterior segment encompass AS-OCT, high-frequency UBM. 12 Clinical assessment involves parameters such as AC depth, width, angle-opening distance, AC angle, and iris slope. AS-OCT offers high-resolution images for visualizing AC depth, angle width, and iris thickness, whereas UBM excels in assessing deeper AC and angle structures through ultrasound.…”

Clinical Applications of Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography: An Updated Review

“…The advances and commercialization of AS-OCT since its first introduction in 1994 have led to increased clinical applications, and it is likely to change the way ophthalmologists diagnose and manage anterior segment conditions. While we did not cover this in our review, AS-OCT also has significant applications in glaucoma due to its ability to image the anterior segment angle [183]. The rich datasets produced by AS-OCT will likely pave the way for future applications with artificial intelligence as a clinical diagnostic aid [184].…”