Anterior segment characteristics of keratoconus eyes in a sample of Asian population

Abstract

Purpose: To assess changes in anterior segment parameters of keratoconus eyes at different stages of the disease in a sample of the Asian population.

Methods: Files of 32 patients (48 eyes) diagnosed as clinical keratoconus were assessed and the following parameters noted: central corneal thickness (CCT), thinnest corneal thickness (TCT), location of thinnest pachymetry, anterior chamber depth (ACD) at the centre from posterior corneal surface, ACD at 1, 2 and 3mm inferior-paracentral, ACD at thinnest pachymetry, anterior chamber volume (ACV) and anterior chamber angle (ACA). For analysis, keratoconus eyes were classified into 3 subgroups according to mean keratometry readings (mild: K≤47.0D, moderate: 47.0<K<52.0D, and severe: K≥52.0D). Forty-five subjects (45 right eyes) were recruited as a control group. They underwent Pentacam tomographic evaluation. The same parameters were recorded for control subjects as in the keratoconus patients.

Results: Each keratoconus subgroup comprised of 16 eyes. CCT, TCT, ACD at centre, ACD at 1, 2mm inferior-paracentral and ACD at thinnest pachymetry were statistically different between mild and severe keratoconus groups (P<0.05). There were also significant differences between normal with each of the moderate and severe keratoconus groups (P<0.05). Non-significant differences were found in ACV (P=0.84) and ACA (P=0.71) between all measured groups.

Conclusion: With the exception of ACV and ACA, parameters that include CCT, TCT, ACD at centre, thinnest pachymetry and 1, 2 mm inferior-paracentral were significantly altered with progression of keratoconus. These findings may be useful in monitoring and management of keratoconus patients.