AS-OCT produces better results after long-term dark adaptation

A paper published in the Journal of Glaucoma has announced the increased reliability of anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) when used on patients after long-term dark adaptation.

Dr Dejiao Li et al., Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Hampshire, UK, split 110 participants into 2 groups a study group and a control group. In the study group there were 70 suspects of primary angle closure and in the control group there were 40 normal participants. AS-OCT was used to measure the anterior chamber angle configuration and pupil diameter at both 3 minutes and 1.5 hours of dark adaptation.

The study group presented a significantly higher mean number of closed angle segments at 3 minutes of dark adaptation compared to 1.5 hours of dark adaptation or light conditions.

Pupil diameter was linked to the number of closed angle segments at 3 minutes of dark adaptation. Final intraocular pressure demonstrated an improved correlation with angle configuration segments at 3 minutes compared to 1.5 hours.

Overall, the dark room test with AS-OCT at 3 minutes was positive in a significantly high number of patients compared to dark room adaptation at 1.5 hours. The treatment was heavily advised as a method to identify glaucoma suspects.