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Differences in epithelial mapping and corneal parameters in dry eye disease patients with and without sjögren syndrome

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First Author: I.Radman CROATIA

Co Author(s):    I. Krolo   A. Kasumović   M. Radman   I. Doko Vajdić   J. Paić   Z. Vatavuk     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To investigate the difference of corneal parameters in two groups of patients with dry eye disease (DED); those with and without Sjögren syndrome.

Setting:

University Department of Ophtalmology, University Hospital Center 'Sestre milosrdnice', Vinogradska 29, Zagreb, Croatia

Methods:

Study included eyes with DED; 26 with Sjögren syndrome (SS) and 24 without (SS-0). Patients were examined by rheumatologist and oral medicine specialist and medical history was analysed. Study included female patients aged from 40 to 78 years without glaucoma, corneal pathology of other cause, previous ocular surgery, amblyopia, contact lens wear or arteficial tears usage. Patients underwent the ocular surface disease index questionnaire, non-invasive tear break up time test, Schirmer test, anterior segment optical coherent tomography (AS OCT Optovue), corneal tomography (Pentacam, OCULUS) and optical biometry (IOLMaster 700, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG). DED was confirmed by corneal staining.

Results:

Statistical analysis showed generally higher values of almost all epithelial thickness parameters in SS group comparing to SS-0 group, with statistical significance of maximal (MAX) epithelial thickness values. MAX in 5-mm zone in SS group was 56,53 ± 3,76 µm and 55,22± 3,04 µm in SS-0. MAX in 7-mm zone in SS group was 58,54±5,85 µm and 56,49± 2,97 µm in SS-0. Difference of epithelial thickness measurements in superior and inferior quadrant on 5-mm map showed significantly lower values in SS-0 group, measuring -1,89 ±1,82 in comparison with SS group; -3,68± 3,7 (P = 0,0346). Maximal epithelial thickness spot was most comonly located centrally in both groups. Significant differences were found comparing Pentacam anterior corneal surface and EKR measurements of astigmatism and steep keratometry values in both groups (p<0,001 for both variables) but more prominent in SS group (p<0,0001).

Conclusions:

Epithelial thickness mapping demonstrated that the corneal epithelium parameters were significantly thicker and corneal tomography values showed higher variability in patients with Sjögren syndrome. AS OCT epithelial mapping could be a very useful tool for detecting and following patients with dry eye disease of various causes.

Financial Disclosure:

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