Posters

Comparison of contrast sensitivity between deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty

Poster Details

First Author: T.Borges PORTUGAL

Co Author(s):    C. Vale   M. Neves   M. Gomes   L. Oliveira   P. Torres  

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Non acuity parameters may be important indicators of visual function. Contrast sensitivity tests in patients with corneal grafts help to evaluate visual performance, which is many times assessed only with Snellen acuity. The purpose of this study is to compare contrast sensitivity in patients submitted to Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK) with patients submitted to Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK).

Setting:

Centro Hospitalar do Porto - Ophthalmology Department.

Methods:

We studied 40 eyes of 35 patients with anatomically successful corneal grafts, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or better, an astigmatism of less than 5 diopters and with 55 years old or less. All patients underwent contrast sensitivity test under static photopic conditions (Metrovision). 20 eyes with DALK (Group 1) were compared with 20 eyes with PK (Group 2). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software and the Student's t test. Significance level was set at P-value equal to 0.05.

Results:

The average age was 36.5 years for Group 1 and 38.1 years for Group 2. The average BCVA was 20/25 for both group and the average astigmatism was 2.5 diopters and 2.7 diopters for Group 1 and 2, respectively. The mean follow-up was 35 months for Group 1 and 45 months for group 2. Monocular contrast sensitivity was below the normal range in the majority of the patients, and there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the two groups in contrast sensitivity with any spatial frequency evaluated.

Conclusions:

Monocular contrast sensitivity was similar between patients with DALK and patients with PK. However, further studies are needed to confirm these results. FINANCIAL INTEREST: NONE