Keywords: Optical coherence tomography; uveitis; retina; ocular inflammation

"Imaging in Uveitis Use of Optical Coherence Tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Posterior Uveitis"

In the last few years, there have been major advances in the field of imaging the eye. Currently, we have modalities that allow the capturing of precise cross-sections of the deep tissues of the eye, including the retina and the choroid. The health of these tissues, which can be immensely affected due to a group of diseases termed “uveitis”, is vital for maintaining vision. In this Ph.D. research, we have explored the advanced application of these imaging modalities to diagnose and manage the complications of uveitis. We relied on “optical coherence tomography (OCT)”, a path-breaking technology that provides accurate microscopic cross-sections of the retina and choroid. We applied OCT in studying the unique structure of retinal/choroidal diseases caused by various inflammatory conditions such as infections (e.g. tuberculosis), or autoimmune causes (e.g. sarcoidosis). We also quantified various lesions resulting from these conditions to assess their progression and related complication rates.

This thesis was aimed at studying the role of advanced imaging techniques in the management of eye diseases caused by inflammation of the tissues. The thesis determined the role of a tool “optical coherence tomography (OCT)”, a path-breaking technology that allows precise microscopic cut-sections of the retina and choroid, enabling visualization of minute details and pathology. The thesis evaluated the role of OCT in distinguishing between infectious and non-infectious causes of eye inflammation (such as tuberculosis versus sarcoidosis) without depending on extensive laboratory testing and biopsies. The thesis also investigated the role of OCT in detecting early complications that can result in rapid visual loss in these patients. Using advanced quantitative techniques, this thesis analyzed images of the eye obtained using OCT to study the effect of treatment benefits and long-term progression of the disease.

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