Anterior segment optical coherence tomography for the diagnosis of corneal dystrophies according to the IC3D classification

Corneal dystrophies are categorized according to the International Committee for Classification of Corneal Dystrophies (IC3D) classification, and their treatment depends on the affected structures and layer of the cornea. Therefore, estimating the depth and extent of the morphological changes due to the specific dystrophy is crucial when deciding between different treatment options. Besides superficial laser treatments and penetrating keratoplasty, minimal invasive lamellar keratoplasties such as Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, or Descemet stripping automated keratoplasty have become increasingly popular to exchange the specific opaque layers in dystrophic eyes. To determine the morphological changes of the cornea in the different dystrophies, in addition to slit-lamp examination, anterior segment optical coherence tomography has become an important tool with nearly histological resolution. Nonetheless, only a few case series describe the characteristics of changes seen on anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Therefore, we summarize anterior segment optical coherence tomography signs and correlate with slit-lamp examination, as well as the histopathological findings, of corneal dystrophies according to the IC3D classification.