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Can optical coherence tomography be used in lacrimal gland imaging?
Author(s) -
Mrazovac D.,
Juri Mandic J.,
Ivkic P.K.,
Mandic K.,
Jukic T.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2017.0t014
Subject(s) - lacrimal gland , palpebral fissure , optical coherence tomography , medicine , anatomy , magnetic resonance imaging , tears , meibomian gland , eyelid , conjunctiva , lacrimal apparatus , tomography , pathology , radiology , surgery
Purpose Lacrimal gland is a serous gland, bi‐lobed in shape, situated superolateral to the eye. The gland continually secretes tears which moisten, lubricate and protect the surface of the eye. Excess tears drain into small ducts which empty into the nasal cavity. Even in healthy subjects, the palpebral lobe is seen through the conjunctiva when the upper eyelid is elevated. The structural features of lacrimal gland are usually analyzed with ultrasound ( US ), computed tomography ( CT ) or magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ). Purpose of this study was to explore the possibilities of the lacrimal gland imaging using optical coherence tomography. Methods Our study included 10 healthy subjects, aged between 25 and 30 years. Images of the palpebral portion of the lacrimal gland were made using optical coherence tomography, anterior segment module. We have obtained B‐scans of the lacrimal gland, longitudinally and transversely to the exposed palpebral lobe. With the obtained images we analyzed structures of the lacrimal gland. Results In this study we obtained photographs of the palpebral lobe of the lacrimal gland. We were able to identify conjunctiva, subconjunctival connective tissue, blood vessels, excretory ducts and glandular parenchyma. Conclusions Preliminary results of our study show that optical coherence tomography offers a possibility of structural differentiation in attempt to analyse morphology of the lacrimal gland. With the development of modern technologies, such as OCT , analysis in vivo of ocular adnexa is placed directly into the domain of ophthalmologists, which, in cases of patients with systemic diseases, facilitates diagnostic process and treatment.