Changes in Central Corneal Thickness Associated With Topical Corticosteroid Administration in Individuals With Uveitis

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: The corneal stroma, which constitutes ∼90% of the thickness of the cornea, is rich in collagen fibers. Given that collagen metabolism is influenced by corticosteroids, it might be expected that these compounds would also affect corneal thickness. The possible effect of topical corticosteroid administration on central corneal thickness (CCT) was examined in individuals with uveitis. Methods: A total of 65 eyes of 36 patients with uveitis was treated with eyedrops containing either 0.1% betamethasone sodium phosphate or 0.1% fluorometholone. The mean age of the patients was 59 ± 17 years, and the mean period of application of eyedrops was 166 ± 129 weeks. A control group consisted of 80 eyes of 40 age–matched patients (59 ± 15 years) with no ocular complications except cataract, who had not been treated with steroids. CCT was measured by ultrasound pachymetry (SP–2000, Tomey). Results: The CCT of the treated eyes of the uveitis patients was 510 ± 41 µm (mean ± SD), which was significantly smaller than that of the control group (529 ± 34 µm; p = 0.002, Student’s t test). In all five patients with unilateral uveitis, the CCT of the treated eye was smaller than that of the normal eye. The CCT of the eyes treated for >2 years was significantly smaller than that of those treated for <2 years (498 ± 42 µm and 524 ± 35 µm, respectively; p = 0.008). Conclusions: These results suggest that topical corticosteroid therapy may reduce corneal thickness, especially in patients treated for longer periods.

Keywords: corticosteroids • cornea: clinical science • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications