Vatookarn Roongpoovapatr

By Vatookarn Roongpoovapatr, Jane C. Cook, Taher K. Eleiwa, Sonia H. Yoo and Mohamed Abou Shousha

Anterior segment ultra-high resolution OCT (UHR-OCT) uses a resolution of 1–4 μm to provide non-invasive imaging of the tear film and cornea. This new high definition imaging technology increases our understanding of normal structure and pathological changes in the cornea, and resolution has continued to improve over time. UHR-OCT is useful in the treatment of disease such as dry eye, subclinical keratoconus, keratoconus, and ocular surface pathology. It also aids clinicians in fitting contact lenses and screening tissue for corneal transplantation. In this review, we summarize applications of imaging the normal and pathologic ocular surface and cornea. Novel developments, such as the new-generation micro-OCT, Anterior segment OCT angiography and artificial intelligence have the potential to continue to increase our knowledge.

Part of the book: A Practical Guide to Clinical Application of OCT in Ophthalmology

By Vatookarn Roongpoovapatr, Pinnita Prabhasawat, Saichin Isipradit, Mohamed Abou Shousha and Puwat Charukamnoetkanok

Infectious keratitis tops the list of diseases leading to visual impairment and corneal blindness. Corneal opacities, predominantly caused by infectious keratitis, are the fourth leading cause of blindness globally. In the developed countries, infectious keratitis is usually associated with contact lens wear, but in developing countries, it is commonly caused by trauma during agricultural work. The common causative organisms are bacteria, fungus, Acanthamoeba, and virus. Severe cases can progress rapidly and cause visual impairment or blindness that requires corneal transplantation, evisceration, or enucleation. The precise clinical diagnosis, accurate diagnostic tools, and timely appropriate management are important to reduce the morbidity associated with infectious keratitis. Despite the advancement of diagnostic tools and antimicrobial drugs, outcomes remain poor secondary to corneal melting, scarring, or perforation. Eye care strategies should focus on corneal ulcer prevention. This review addresses the epidemiology, diagnostic approach, clinical manifestations, risk factors, investigations, treatments, and the update of major clinical trials about common pathogens of infectious keratitis.

Part of the book: Visual Impairment and Blindness

By Vatookarn Roongpoovapatr, Mohamed Abou Shousha and Puwat Charukamnoetkanok

Keratoconus is a bilateral, asymmetric, progressive disease of the cornea which can lead to visual impairment and blindness as irregular astigmatism increases and corneal scar occurs. Currently, many methods are available for a treatment of keratoconus. The treatment can help enhance visual rehabilitation and prevent progression in keratoconus patients. The treatment options included non-surgical and surgical managements. This review offers a summary of the current and emerging treatment options for keratoconus- eyeglasses, contact lens, corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL), CXL Plus, intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS), Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS), Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK), Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK), Bowman layer transplantation (BL transplantation) and gene therapy.

Part of the book: Eyesight and Imaging