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In Vivo Confocal Microscopic and Topographic Findings of Progressive and Non-progressive Keratoconus

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First Author: O.Dikmetas TURKEY

Co Author(s):    E. Arslan   S. Kocabeyoglu                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To establish and compare in vivo confocal microscopic (IVCM) and corneal topographic features of progressive and non-progressive keratoconus (KC) patients, and differantiate from healthy controls

Setting:

Department of Ophthalmology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey

Methods:

This is a retrospective study. 19 KC subjects were categorised using with Sirius topography device (Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici, Florence, Italy) as exhibiting progressive (n=14) and non-progressive (n=5) KC. Keratometry (Kmax) values were evaluated. 1 year follow-up period was required. 12 control subjects were included. All subjects underwent IVCM ConfoScan 4 (ConfoScan4; Nidek, Tokyo, Japan) at the begining of follow-up period. Endothelial, basal epithelial, anterior/posterior stromal keratocyte density and sub-basal nerve density were evaluated.

Results:

In subjects with progressive KC, increase of Kmax correlated with subbasal nerve density (SND), endothelial density (ED) and pleomorphism (p=0.023, ρ=-0.673, p=0.033, ρ=-0.489, and p=0.004, ρ=0.632). ED is significantly lower in keratoconic corneas compared to controls (3139.7±386.3 cells/mm, p=0.006) and also significantly lower in progressive keratoconic corneas compared to non-progressive group (3153.2±344.1 cells/mm, p=0.001). There was no significantly difference between KC group and healthy controls in SND parameter.

Conclusions:

Endothelial density is significantly lower in subjects with progressive KC compared to non-progressive group. This parameter may be early predictor of progression in KC disease and predict percentage of change in CT and increase of keratometry values. IVCM offers the opportunity to study early microstructural changes in the KC.

Financial Disclosure:

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