ULTRASOUND BIOMICROSCOPY AND ANTERIOR SEGMENT OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF GLAUCOMA

Abstract

We aimed to summarize the applications, strengths and weaknesses of two anterior segment imaging modalities: the ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and the anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in the diagnosis and surgical management of glaucoma. This narrative review was based on our clinical experience with these technologies supported on scientific literature review through Medline via PubMed ® . The syntax used in the search was “Glaucoma AND Anterior Chamber Angle AND Ultrasound Biomicroscopy OR UBM AND Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography OR AS-OCT”. Publications were selected based on relevance, redundancy, and authorship. Additionally UBM and AS-OCT images were selected from the two of the authors’ personal archives to illustrate prevalent glaucoma findings and post-operatory using both technologies. AS-OCT and UBM share overlapping characteristics and are both useful in glaucoma diagnosis and post-operative assessment. However, particular technical features of each will direct the best application to clarify specific glaucoma etiologies, to guide in the most effective management and to explain glaucoma surgical outcomes.