Ultrasound biomicroscopy of the anterior segment of the eyes of infants

Background: Our objective was to evaluate the new method of ultrasound biom icroscopy 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 fille d with 2.5% methylcellulose as a coupling medium. The ocular cup was not us ed. Scanning was performed by placing the probe close to the area of intere st. Results: Case 1:A 3230-g mate infant was delivered by cesarean section at 3 9 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 mu m. The depth of the anterior chamber was 1414 mu m. Case 2: A 1368-g female infant was delivered by cesarean section at 30 week s' gestation. The left eye was studied. The anterior chamber angle was 16 d egrees. The trabecular-ciliary process distance was 380 mu m. The depth of the anterior chamber was 1134 mu m. 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 c linical experiences.