Ultrasound biomicroscopy of the anterior segment of the eyes of infants.

BACKGROUND

Our objective was to evaluate the new method of ultrasound biomicroscopy in examining the anterior segment of the eyes of infants.

METHODS

The infant was held supine during examination, which was performed under topical anesthesia only. One drop of proparacaine was placed in the eye, and a small lid speculum was inserted. The palpebral fissure was filled with 2.5% methylcellulose as a coupling medium. The ocular cup was not used. Scanning was performed by placing the probe close to the area of interest.

RESULTS

Case 1: A 3230-g male infant was delivered by cesarean section at 39 weeks' gestation. The left eye was studied with ultrasound biomicroscopy. Examination revealed a narrow angle with the anterior chamber angle of 25 degrees. The trabecular-ciliary process distance was 510 microns. The depth of the anterior chamber was 1414 microns. Case 2: A 1368-g female infant was delivered by cesarean section at 30 weeks' gestation. The left eye was studied. The anterior chamber angle was 16 degrees. The trabecular-ciliary process distance was 380 microns. The depth of the anterior chamber was 1134 microns.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound biomicroscopy is clinically feasible in infants and has a potential for use in clinical research. Additional study is needed to assess the reproducibility of the measurements and to acquire additional clinical experiences.