Posters

Comparison of anterior segment parameters among paediatric, adolescent and adult patients with keratoconus

Poster Details

First Author: C.Yildirim TURKEY

Co Author(s):    I. Toprak   V. Yaylali                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To determine differences in anterior segment measurements between pediatric, adolescent and adult keratoconus groups using the Scheimpflug imaging system.

Setting:

Private eye hospital

Methods:

This retrospective study included 167 eyes of 167 patients with keratoconus. Patients were grouped as pediatric (age<18 years), adolescent (age between 18-25 years) and adult (age between 26-40 years). The groups were matched with each other in terms of sex and keratoconus stage. Differences in anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber angle (ACA), pupil-center pachymetry, apical pachymetry, thinnest pachymetry, corneal volume (CV) and maximum keratometry (Kmax) were sought among the groups.

Results:

The study involved 56 pediatrics, 44 adolescents and 67 adults with keratoconus.The study population included only eyes with stage 2 and 3 keratoconus based on the Amsler-Krumeich system. Pediatric group significantly had higher ACD and ACV when compared to those of the adult group, whereas corneal thicknesses, CV and Kmax did not differ among pediatric, adolescent and adult keratoconus groups. Moreover, in the pediatric and adolescent groups, eyes with stage 3 keratoconus had significantly deeper ACD than in the eyes with stage 2 keratoconus. In the adult group, AC parameters did not differ between the eyes with stage 2 and 3 keratoconus (P<0.05), while corneal thicknesses and volume were significantly lower in eyes with stage 3 keratoconus (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

Pediatric patients with keratoconus appear to have a deeper and larger AC than in the adult patients with keratoconus, which might show shallowing of AC over time in patients with keratoconus. On the other hand, an increase in ACD in pediatric keratoconus group might be indicative of progression. However, in the adult keratoconus group, corneal parameters appear to decrease with keratoconus progression. Long-term prospective studies are needed to demonstrate changes in anterior segment parameters from a pediatric age to the adulthood in keratoconus patients.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE