Visante OCT for Anterior Segment Imaging

Visante OCT: Cross-Sectional Imaging of the Front of the Eye

Visante optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noncontact imaging test that creates cross-sectional images of structures at the front of the eye. Depending on the scan and image quality, anterior-segment OCT can show the cornea, anterior chamber, iris, and the front surface of the natural lens.

At Eye Freedom, Dr. Edward Boshnick may use Visante OCT to examine corneal anatomy and to view the relationship between a scleral lens, the fluid reservoir beneath it, and the eye. The scan adds objective measurements to the examination. It does not diagnose a condition, prove progression, determine a final lens design, or predict an individual result by itself.

What Happens During a Visante OCT Scan?

You rest your chin and forehead against the instrument and look toward a fixation target while the device captures cross-sectional images with light. The imaging itself does not touch the eye and does not use X-rays. You may be asked to hold still, adjust your gaze, or blink between captures so the clinician can obtain a useful image.

The reason for the test determines whether a contact lens should be on or off the eye. A bare-cornea scan may be used to study corneal anatomy. A lens-on-eye scan may be taken after a scleral lens has settled so its clearance and landing relationship can be evaluated in selected meridians. Follow the practice’s instructions and bring your current lenses, case, and prior eye records when requested.

What Can Anterior-Segment OCT Show?

Anterior-segment OCT can provide cross-sectional information about corneal thickness and layers, scarring, corneal swelling, a graft interface, the anterior chamber, and the angle where the cornea and iris meet. It may contribute to the evaluation of keratoconus, corneal ectasia, corneal dystrophies, previous corneal surgery, corneal transplants or scarring, and selected cases of corneal hydrops.

The images must be interpreted with the history and eye examination. For example, an angle image does not replace gonioscopy or glaucoma care, and an OCT image does not establish whether keratoconus is progressing without reliable comparison and other clinical evidence.

Anterior-Segment OCT vs. Corneal Topography

Computerized corneal topography maps corneal curvature and shape. Anterior-segment OCT creates cross-sectional images and can measure selected distances or tissue thicknesses. The tests answer different questions and may be used together; neither replaces a complete examination.

How OCT Supports Custom Scleral Lens Fitting

During an evaluation for custom scleral lenses, a lens-on-eye OCT image can help Dr. Boshnick measure the space between the back of the lens and the cornea, review central and limbal clearance, and examine the lens edge or landing relationship in the imaged areas. Repeat images after settling may show how that relationship changes with wear.

OCT does not display every part of the landing zone in one cross-section and cannot approve a fit on its own. Slit-lamp examination, diagnostic lens testing, fluorescein when appropriate, refraction, vision, comfort, surface findings, handling ability, and follow-up remain important. The scleral lens fitting guide explains how these steps work together.

How Dr. Boshnick Uses Visante OCT

Dr. Boshnick interprets Visante OCT in the context of the patient’s symptoms, refraction, slit-lamp findings, ocular surface, prior surgery, current lenses, and other imaging. Corneal topography or tomography may describe shape, while OCT may add a cross-sectional view of corneal tissue or a lens-eye relationship. Wavefront testing may be considered when the clinical question involves residual optical aberrations.

The existing clinical image on this page shows how anterior-segment OCT can document anatomy in a complex keratoconus and hydrops case. It is an educational example, not a promise that another patient will have the same vision, comfort, wearing time, or clinical course.

Not every patient needs every test, and imaging does not replace medical treatment or monitoring of active disease. When progression, acute hydrops, transplant health, glaucoma, cross-linking, or surgery is a concern, care may also involve a corneal or other appropriate ophthalmologist.

Request an evaluation with Dr. Boshnick or call 305-271-8206. Patients traveling from outside the area should contact Eye Freedom before making arrangements because the examination and diagnostic lens assessment must be performed in person.

Medical Sources

This page is educational. It does not interpret an individual scan, provide a diagnosis, or recommend a particular lens or treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Visante OCT?

Visante OCT is a noncontact anterior-segment imaging test that creates cross-sectional views of structures at the front of the eye. The images supplement the examination and do not establish a diagnosis by themselves.

How is anterior-segment OCT different from retinal OCT?

Both use optical coherence tomography, but they image different anatomy. Anterior-segment OCT focuses on structures such as the cornea, anterior chamber, and iris; retinal OCT focuses on the retina and often the optic nerve.

Does a Visante OCT scan touch the eye?

No. The imaging itself is noncontact. You rest your chin and forehead at the instrument and look at a target while it captures images with light rather than X-rays.

What can anterior-segment OCT show in keratoconus or ectasia?

It may show cross-sectional corneal shape, thickness, scarring, swelling, or findings related to hydrops. The images are interpreted with topography or tomography, examination findings, symptoms, and comparison over time when progression is being assessed.

How can OCT help evaluate a scleral lens fit?

A lens-on-eye scan can measure selected areas of central and limbal clearance and show the edge or landing relationship in the imaged meridian. Repeat images may help evaluate settling.

Can Visante OCT determine the final scleral lens design by itself?

No. OCT is one fitting aid. The final assessment also considers slit-lamp findings, diagnostic lens behavior, refraction, vision, comfort, ocular-surface response, handling, and follow-up.

Can one OCT scan prove progression or transplant health?

No. A scan is interpreted with the clinical examination, reliable comparison over time, and other tests. Corneal progression, graft health, acute hydrops, glaucoma, and surgical decisions require appropriate medical evaluation.

Should I wear my contact lenses to the OCT appointment?

Follow the practice’s instructions. A lens may need to be removed for a bare-cornea scan or worn and allowed to settle for a lens-on-eye assessment. Bring your current lenses, case, and care products when requested.