A new approach of keratoconus diagnostics using matrix metalloproteinase-9

Session Details

Session Title: Corneal Biomechanics

Session Date/Time: Monday 09/10/2017 | 08:00-10:30

Paper Time: 08:37

Venue: Room 2.1

First Author: : A.Zilfyan ARMENIA

Co Author(s): :    A. Abovyan                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

The study aims to test the association of keratoconus with elevated Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) level in lacrimal fluid of patients.

Setting:

The study took place in “Shengavit” Medical Center, Yerevan, Armenia.

Methods:

In the controlled cross-sectional study, the patients were examined as they attended the clinic; this method approximated to random sampling. The level of MMP-9 was assessed using immunochromatographic analyses. In addition, a Shirmer’s test was done for all patients. In total, 80 patients (one eye of every patient) were examined. Three groups were distinguished: 1. thirty patients in the first, second, and third stages of keratoconus, 2. thirty patients with subclinical keratoconus, and 3. twenty patients without any ocular pathology as a control group.

Results:

In the first group the elevated levels of MMP-9 were observed in 27 out of 30 eyes (90%). In the second group (patients with subclinical keratoconus), high levels of MMP-9 were observed in 25 out of 30 eyes (83.33%). In the control group, only one eye out of 20 had an elevated level of MMP-9 (5%).

Conclusions:

The results of the study demonstrate that tear fluid in patients in the first to third stages of keratoconus or with subclinical keratoconus contain elevated levels of MMP-9 as compared to the control group.  Consequently, the detection of MMP-9 in tear fluid can be used in diagnostics of keratoconus.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE