Corneal backward light scattering by Scheimpflug image and optical coherence tomography in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy

Abstract

Purpose : Purpose: Corneal backward light scattering by Scheimpflug image is associated with visual function in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Here, we investigated the correlation between visual function and corneal backward light scattering using Scheimpflug imaging and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in FECD.

Methods : Methods: We included 53 eyes of 38 patients diagnosed with FECD. We assessed corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) using Landolt-C and ETDRS letter chart, and contrast sensitivity using CSV-1000 by area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF). We also investigated corneal backward light scattering of the anterior 120um of the cornea and posterior 60um of the cornea in the central 0-2mm using the two imaging techniques. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the associations between variables.

Results : Results: Corneal backward light scattering, assessed by both Scheimpflug imaging and AS-OCT, exhibited significant correlations, with the highest correlation found in the posterior central cornea (R=0.63, p<0.01). Anterior corneal backward light scattering by both Scheimpflug imaging and AS-OCT demonstrated significant correlations with CDVA by Landolt-C (R=0.48, p<0.01 and R=0.29, p=0.03, respectively), CDVA by ETDRS (R=0.35, p=0.01 and R=0.42, p<0.01, respectively) and AULCSF (R=-0.51, p<0.01 and R=-0.45, p<0.01, respectively). Posterior corneal backward light scattering evaluated by both Scheimpflug imaging and AS-OCT, significantly correlated with CDVA by Landolt-C (R=0.49, p<0.01 and R=0.33, p=0.01, respectively), CDVA by ETDRS (R=0.28, p=0.04 and R=0.20, p=0.16, respectively) and AULCSF (R=-0.54, p<0.01 and R=-0.50, p<0.01, respectively).

Conclusions : Conclusions: Corneal backward light scattering by both Scheimpflug imaging and AS-OCT revealed significant correlations with each other. The correlation between corneal backward light scattering of the anterior and posterior central cornea of FECD with visual function was consistently significant across both imaging modalities.

This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.