Posters

Corneal epithelial thickness mapping as a useful diagnostic tool in following patients with autoimmune thyroid disease and dry eye

Poster Details

First Author: I.Matoc BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Co Author(s):    A. Kasumovic   A. Kasumovic   I. Krolo   I. Sabol   S. Sefic Kasumovic        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To investigate whether anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS OCT) epithelial mapping may detect changes in corneal epithelium in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease.

Setting:

Eye Polyclinic, Dr. Sefic, Ferhadija 5, Sarajevo

Methods:

In this cross sectional study three age-matched groups were enrolled: a control group, group of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease without dry eye symptoms (ATD-) and group of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease and dry eye symptoms (ATD+), 18 to 50 years of age, with no anterior segment pathology or history of ocular surgeries. Scanning was perofrmed on the AS OCT (Optovue, CA). For each eye we analysed corneal and epithelial parameters within the central 5-mm and 7-mm zone. We investigated pupil center, average, superior, inferior, maximum, minimum and topographic epithelial thickness variability. Schirmer test with topical anaesthetic was performed.

Results:

Epithelial thickness variability was significantly lower in control group of patients, compared to other two groups (ST DEV=1,47 (0,83-3,23), p=0,001). Central epithelial thickness measured within the 7-mm zone was significantly higher in control group (53,3 μm (45,0-58,7 μm) p<0,001). Correlation between Schirmer test values and corneal variables in ATD- group showed negative correlation with maximal epithelial value and superior epithelial thickness within 7-mm zone. The same analysis in ATD+ group showed positive correlation between Schirmer test values and superior epithelial thickness, central epithelial thickness, maximal and minimal epithelial value measured in 7-mm zone.

Conclusions:

The epithelial variables in the 7-mm corneal zone provided by the AS-OCT epithelial mapping may be useful, but not reliable diagnostic tool in following patients with autoimmune thyroid disease and dry eye symptoms.

Financial Disclosure:

None