AIM: To compare the ability of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)and slit lamp biomicroscopy to detect anterior segment findings in patients with closed globe injury.

METHODS: This is an observational, cross-sectional study. Sixteen patients with a closed globe injury were consecutively recruited from January 2010 to July 2015 in Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital. All patients underwent complete ophthalmic examination, including assessment of visual acuity, measurement of intraocular pressure using a noncontact tonometry, and slit lamp biomicroscopy. SD-OCT was used to examine the anterior segments of all injured eyes. Two patients had bilateral ocular injuries and received bilateral SD-OCT examinations. The OCT findings of the cornea, iris, anterior chamber and lens were recorded and compared with findings seen using slit lamp biomicroscopy.

RESULTS: All 18 eyes were examined by SD-OCT had hyphema occupying at least one-third of the anterior chamber volume. Sixteen eyes had corneal edema and corneal abrasion detected on both slit lamp biomicroscopy and OCT examination. OCT examination was also able to detect Descemet's membrane detachment(n=7), angle recession(n=6), lens subluxation(n=3)and iridodialysis(n=3).

CONCLUSION: SD-OCT was able to identify features of closed globe injury that were otherwise not visible on slit lamp biomicroscopy. SD-OCT may have advantages over clinical examination in cases of closed globe injury.