OCT of Cornea

This is a cross-sectional OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) image of a scleral lens over a cornea with “Hydrops” that underwent 4 separate LASIK procedures followed by a PRK procedure. These surgeries ultimately led to the destruction of the LASIK flap. In this image, the top 2 curved lines represent the front and back surfaces of the scleral lens. The thick curved gray structure is the cornea. Look carefully at the torn membrane on the left aspect of the back corneal surface. This membrane torn due to the pressures and forces within the eye against the weakened cornea. When this membrane tore, fluid from within the eye (aqueous) entered the cornea causing it to become cloudy. This entire scenario is called “Hydrops”. Look carefully at the very top of this image. Note the curved gray white line along the corneal surface. This is the area where the LASIK flap once existed. What you see now is a form of scar tissue. This cornea is extremely distorted and dry. In addition, the ocular damage caused by these surgeries has made this eye very painful for this patient. This scleral lens has not only provided clear vision to this eye, but has also created an ocular environment where the eye is now moist and free of virtually all pain. Without the scleral lens this patient has less than 20/800 vision with this eye. With the scleral lens the patient is now able to see 20/30 with all day lens wear.