Using OCT to identify keratoconus earlier

Researchers have identified microstructural corneal changes from polarisation-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) scans.

Writing in Biophotonics Discovery, the authors highlighted that PS-OCT is an advanced imaging technique that offers insight into collagen organisation and microstructural integrity.

The researchers emphasised that the technology could improve early identification of keratoconus and support patient management decisions.

“This study demonstrates that ultra high-resolution PS-OCT imaging may provide a clinically valuable, complementary approach to conventional tomography,” they noted.

In order to compare PS-OCT with other imaging devices, the scientists trained three separate artificial intelligence (AI) models on data sourced from a PS-OCT, a Pentacam and a MS39 imaging device.

They found that all three AI models performed at a similar level for healthy eyes and eyes with clear cases of keratoconus. However, the AI model trained on PS–OCT was shown to perform better on subclinical cases than models trained on the Pentacam and MS39.

The scientists highlighted that the microstructural changes identified by PS–OCT offer complementary diagnostic insights – potentially refining subclinical keratoconus detection for safer refractive surgery decisions.