Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate pachymetric and keratometric findings, obtained by the Orbscan Corneal Topography System (CTS), of eyes with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Methods: Sixty three subjects, 42 children with VKC and 21 healthy controls, were prospectively evaluated by clinical and topographic examinations with the Orbscan CTS at the Department of Ophthalmology–Federal University of São Paulo/Brazil. Keratometric and pachymetric numeric values and patterns obtained from both groups were compared and correlated with the clinical characteristics of VKC. Results: Maximal corneal power was significantly higher in VKC patients than in the control group. Furthermore, significantly more astigmatism and corneal asymmetry were detected in eyes with VKC. Corneal keratometric patterns were abnormal in nearly 73% of VKC eyes. VKC eyes showed central, thinnest, superior and inferior cornea to be significantly thinner than that in the control group. The incidence of keratoconus and of suspected keratoconus, based on keratometric and pachymetric findings, was 12% and 7%, respectively, in VKC eyes. No significant correlation was found between severity, duration or type of VKC and the keratometric or pachymetric findings. Conclusions: Eyes with VKC have more abnormal keratometric and pachymetric numerical measurements and patterns than do healthy controls. The Orbscan CTS, which provides both keratometric and pachymetric information, represents a new tool for the assessment of corneal disease in eyes with VKC.
Keywords: cornea: clinical science • topography • keratoconus