Posters

Evaluation of corneal microstructure in pseudoexfoliation syndrome and glaucoma: in vivo scanning laser confocal microscopic study

Poster Details

First Author: N.Yuksel TURKEY

Co Author(s):    E. Esra              

Abstract Details

Purpose:

The aim of the present study was to present corneal microstructures alterations in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and glaucoma using confocal microscopy.

Setting:

Kocaeli University, School of Medicine, Ophthalmology Department

Methods:

Case-control study. A total 90 patients taken into the study. 30 patients had pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS), 30 had newly diagnosed pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG), and 30 controls. In vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy of the cornea was performed using the Rostock Cornea Module of the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph. Mean outcome measures were basal epithelial cell density, endothelial cell density, anterior keratocyte density, posterior keratocyte density, sub-basal nerve density, sub-basal nerve diameter.

Results:

The mean basal epithelial cell density, endothelial cell density, and sub-basal nerve diameter were significantly different among the 3 groups (P <0.05). The mean anterior and posterior stromal keratocyte densities were significantly lower in the PXS, in the PXG when compared with the control group groups (P <0.05). The percentage of endothelial cell polymegathism and pleomorphism were higher in PXS and PXG compared to controls. Endothelial cell polymegathism and pleomorphism in pseudoexfoliation is more frequently associated with glaucoma.

Conclusions:

This study showed that cell densities in different layers of the cornea, cellular configuration in endothelial cells and subbasal nerve plexus density or tortuosity were altered in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome, and more prominantly in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. FINANCIAL INTEREST: NONE