<p class="first" id="d6354775e151">Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides non-contact,
rapid in vivo imaging of
ocular structures, and has become a key part of evaluating the anterior segment of
the eye. Over the years, improvements to technology have increased the speed of capture
and resolution of images, leading to the increasing impact of anterior segment OCT
imaging on clinical practice. In this review, we summarize the historical development
of anterior segment OCT, and provide an update on the research and clinical applications
of imaging the ocular surface, cornea, anterior chamber structures, aqueous outflow
system, and most recently anterior segment vessels. We also describe advancements
in anterior segment OCT technology that have improved understanding with greater detail,
such as tear film in dry eye disease evaluation, intra-operative real-time imaging
for anterior segment surgery, and aqueous outflow with angle assessment for glaucoma.
Improvements to image processing and software have also improved the ease and utility
of interpreting anterior segment OCT images in everyday clinical practice. Future
developments include refinement of assessing vascular networks for the anterior segment,
in vivo ultra-high resolution anterior segment optical coherence tomography with histology-like
detail, en-face image with 3-dimensional reconstruction as well as functional extensions
of the technique.
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