Videokeratographic anomalies in familial keratoconus

Parental Corneal Tomographic and Biomechanical Characteristics of Patients With Keratoconus

PURPOSE

To investigate the hereditability of corneal tomographic and biomechanical parameters in keratoconus (KC).

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

METHODS

This study was conducted at Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University in Qingdao, China. Forty-four patients with KC and their biological parents (n = 88) were recruited as the study group. The control group consisted of 84 healthy adults with matched age and gender. Both eyes of each participant underwent clinical examinations, and 1 eye was selected for statistical analysis. Exclusion criteria were as follows: individuals with glaucoma, ocular surgery, systemic diseases known to affect the eyes, or poor cooperation during examination. Subjects were asked to discontinue soft contact lens (CL) wear for 2 weeks and rigid gas permeable CL wear for 4 weeks before ocular examination. All participants underwent a comprehensive assessment including Pentacam Scheimpflug tomography, Corvis ST, visual acuity, refraction examination, axial length, and slitlamp examination for both eyes. Individuals presenting with KC manifestations in at least 1 eye were classified as having KC. A total of 9 Pentacam indices including keratometry in the flat/steep meridian (K1/K2), maximal keratometry (Kmax), thinnest point pachymetry (TP), and maximum/average Ambrósio relational thickness (ARTmax/ARTave), anterior and posterior surfaces elevation of the cornea (Ef/Eb) and total deviation value (Final D), and 21 biomechanical indices were collected. Associations of these factors with KC were evaluated using multiple comparison and binary logistics regression analyses.

RESULTS

Two parents (2.27%) from 2 different families were diagnosed with KC. Parents of patients with KC had thinner corneas with altered corneal biomechanical parameters compared with healthy controls (P < .05). The combined tomographic and biomechanical index demonstrated the highest discriminatory power (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.785) and strong specificity (84.5%). Parental corneal tomographic and biomechanical index, Corvis biomechanical index, and TP were identified as the major influential factors for KC in their offspring by logistic regression analysis, with a 73.3% accuracy in identifying offspring with KC.

CONCLUSIONS

Parental corneal tomographic and biomechanical properties of patients with KC suggest a possible predisposition to KC. A combination of tomography and corneal biomechanics can be helpful in predicting the incidence rate of KC in the offspring of patients with subclinical KC.

Evaluation of Ocular Higher-Order Aberrations in First-Degree Relatives of Patients With Keratoconus

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in first-degree relatives of patients with keratoconus (KCN) and compare with the normal population.

METHODS

In this prospective comparative study, 210 eyes from 105 family members of 28 patients with KCN and 210 normal eyes of 105 controls were enrolled. In each eye, corneal topography, tomography, and aberrometry were performed and compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

This study included 61 female (58.1%) and 44 male participants (41.9%) and 105 age-matched and sex-matched controls with normal topographic cornea. In 14 of 105 first-degree relatives (13.33%) of patients with KCN, KCN was diagnosed with a male preponderance (71.5% male, 28.5% female). Tomographic indices and irregularity indices in 3 and 5 mm zone in Orbscan were significantly higher in the relative group. In addition, other irregularity indices of TMS-4 topography including surface regularity index, surface asymmetry index, difference sector index, SDP, and irregular astigmatism index were significantly higher in family members of patients with KCN. The most prevalent topographic pattern in the control group was the symmetric bowtie (57.1%) and in the relative group was the asymmetric bowtie (39.5%). In addition, significantly thinnest corneal pachymetry was detected in the relative group. Root mean square of all HOAs including vertical trefoil, vertical coma, horizontal coma, horizontal trefoil, quadrifoil, and fourth-order spherical aberrations were significantly greater in the relative group than controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Owing to the high prevalence of undiagnosed KCN susceptibility in family members with KCN, keratorefractive surgery should be considered cautiously in these individuals. In addition, comprehensive preoperative examination should be considered to detect subtle topographic and HOAs in these individuals.

Identification of genetic variants in five chinese families with keratoconus: Pathogenicity analysis and characteristics of parental corneal topography

Purpose: The study aims to identify genetic variants in five Chinese families with Keratoconus (KC) and describe the characteristics of parental corneal topography.

Methods: Fifteen participants, including five probands and ten parents from five Chinese families with KC, were recruited for genetic and clinical analyses. Targeted next-generation sequencing using a custom-designed panel for KC was applied on the probands for variant identification. Sanger sequencing and cosegregation analysis of the suspected pathogenic variants were performed on the family members. The pathogenicities of variants were evaluated according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines (ACMG). Pentacam 3D anterior segment analysis system was applied for keratectasia detection and the Corvis ST for corneal biomechanics measurement. Fifteen parameters were recorded, including nine keratectasia indicators (BAD-D, TP, Kmax, Df, Db, Dp, Dt, Da, ARTH), six corneal biomechanical indicators (CBI, DA ratio, SP-A1, IR, bIOP, TBI).

Results: A total of six novel variants, including five missense variants and one frameshift variant, were detected in the HMX1, SLC4A11, TGFBI, PIKFYVE, and ZEB1 genes in five probands, all of which showed co-segregation of genotype and clinical phenotype and were determined to be pathogenic. The genetic model was autosomal dominant (AD) in four families and autosomal recessive (AR) in 1 family. The analysis of keratectasia and corneal biomechanical indicators of the proband’s parents (first-generation relatives) in AD families revealed that there were several abnormal indexes in BAD-D, TP, Kmax, Df, Db, Dp, Dt, Da, CBI, DA ratio, SP-A1, IR, bIOP and TBI test indexes, showing clinical characteristics of incipient KC.

Conclusion: Our study shows that variants in HMX1, SLC4A11, TGFBI, PIKFYVE, and ZEB1 were associated with KC. Our study extends the gene spectrum associated with KC, provides novel insights into KC phenotypic assessments, and contributes to early diagnosis for these patients.

Differentiating highly asymmetric keratoconus eyes using a combined Scheimpflug/Placido device

PURPOSE

To determine the ability to differentiate between normal eyes and clinically unaffected eyes of patients with highly asymmetric keratoconus (AKC) using a Scheimpflug/Placido device.

SETTING

Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Enaim Medical Center, Israel.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control.

METHODS

Imaging from a combined Scheimpflug/Placido device (Sirius, C.S.O.) was obtained from 26 clinically unaffected eyes of patients with frank keratoconus in the fellow eye, and 166 eyes from 166 patients with bilaterally normal corneal examinations that underwent uneventful corneal refractive surgery with at least 1 year of follow-up. Receiver operating characteristic curves were produced to calculate the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity of 60 metrics, and finally a logistic regression modeling was used to determine optimal variables to differentiate populations.

RESULTS

The most predictive individual metric able to differentiate between 26 eyes in the case group to 166 eye in the control group was the posterior wall inferior-superior (I-S) ratio, with an receiver operating characteristics (ROC) of 0.862. A combination model of 4 metrics (posterior wall I-S ratio in the central 3 mm, thinnest pachymetry coordinate on the x horizontal axis, posterior asymmetry and asphericity index, corneal volume) yielded an ROC of 0.936, with a sensitivity/specificity pair of 92.3%/87%. Variables related to elevation were not found significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a combination of metrics from a combined Scheimpflug/Placido device, a practical model for discrimination between clinically normal eyes of patients with highly AKC and normal eyes was constructed. Variables related to pachymetry and posterior cornea asymmetry were the most impactful.

Corneal and conjunctival alteration of innate immune expression in first-degree relatives of keratoconus patients

PURPOSE

The innate immune toll-like receptors 2 (TLR2) and 4 (TLR4) may play a key role in the physiopathology of keratoconus (KC). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare TLR2/TLR4 expression in corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells between healthy first-degree relatives of patients with KC and healthy controls as well as KC patients.

METHODS

Case-control study in 72 healthy eyes of 36 control subjects, 53 eyes of 27 first-degree relatives, and 109 eyes with KC (60 patients). All participants were subjected to a clinical, topographic, aberrometric, and tomographic examination with extraction of corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells through scraping. TLR2/TLR4 expression was measured by flow cytometry, and was compared among controls, first-degree relatives, and KC patients. The relationship between TLR expression and epidemiological-clinical variables or topographic-aberrometric-tomographic parameters was also analyzed.

RESULTS

Mean TLR2/TLR4 expression showed a significant gradual increase among groups: controls < first-degree relatives < KC patients. Mean expression of TLR2 in corneal epithelial cells and both TLR2/TLR4 in conjunctival epithelial cells were significantly higher in relatives than in controls (p = 0.026, p < 0.001, and p = 0.031, respectively). Sex, age, allergic disease, eye itching, rubbing, and topographic-aberrometric-tomographic parameters were not associated to TLR2/TLR4 expression in relatives. TLR2 conjunctival expression was independently associated to relatives (OR 1.001; CI 95% 1.000-1.002, p = 0.043) after adjustment by sex, age, and rubbing.

CONCLUSION

TLR2 and TLR4 are overexpressed in corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells of KC relatives compared with controls. Both biomarkers may monitor early ocular changes in first-degree relatives who not show any abnormal clinical-topographic-aberrometric-tomographic parameters.

Correlation between Corneal Topographic Patterns and Refractive Status of the Eye in an Adult Iranian Population: Tehran Study

Purpose

To evaluate the corneal topographic patterns in an adult Iranian population and investigate its correlation with the refractive status of the eye.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study named "Tehran Study," 1023 samples were selected by the cluster sampling method from the downtown area of Tehran. Eight hundred and forty-nine adults aged over 15 years participated. All selected participants were refracted and underwent topography imaging.

Results

The patients' ages ranged from 15 to 91 years with a mean of 40.33 ± 16 years. The most frequent topographic patterns were symmetric bowtie (SB) (34%), SB with inferior steepening (SB-IS) (14.1%), and round (10.5%). The orders changed in categorization by refractive status: The most frequent pattern in all subgroups (emmetropia, myopia, and hyperopia) was SB with frequencies 32.7%, 35.8%, and 22.5%, respectively. Although the second order was asymmetric bowtie (AB) with AB-IS in the emmetropic and myopic subgroups, in the hyperopic subgroup, round pattern had the second place. The third place was different in all groups. The rarest patterns in the whole were SB with skewed radial axis (SRAX) and AB with SRAX. The first prevalent topographic pattern was SB in all age groups and in both genders. The prevalence of round pattern, irregular pattern, and SRAX significantly increased in older ages, and the prevalence of SB decreased in older ages. The first observed prevalent pattern was SB in both sexes, but the second most prevalent pattern was AB-IS and round in females and males, respectively.

Conclusions

Corneal topographic pattern might be related to the refractive status of the eye. The information about normal topographic patterns provides a reference for comparison with diseased corneas.

Analysis of Age, Gender, and Refractive Error-Related Changes of the Anterior Corneal Surface Parameters Using Oculus Keratograph Topography

Purpose

To assess refractive error, gender, and age-related differences in corneal topography of a normal population with Oculus Keratograph 4.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included a total of 500 normal eyes of 500 individuals with ages ranging from 10 to 70 years. All participants underwent detailed ocular examinations, including visual acuity measurement, slit-lamp examination, and refractive error evaluation. Slit-lamp examination was performed for all individuals to rule out apparent corneal diseases. Corneal topography parameters were assessed using Oculus Keratograph. The data were analyzed based on gender, refractive error, and age groups using independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance.

Results

Of a total of 500 participants (age: 29.51 ± 11.53 years) recruited for the present study, 66.4% were female, and 33.6% were male. The mean spherical equivalent of refraction was - 0.98 ± 1.65 diopters. Significant differences were noted in steep keratometry (P = 0.035) and corneal astigmatism (P = 0.014) between genders. Assessment of the data based on refractive error revealed significant differences in an index of vertical asymmetry (P < 0.001), index of height asymmetry (P = 0.003), and index of height decentration (P = 0.011). Considering age groups, significant differences were observed in flat keratometry readings (P < 0.001), mean corneal astigmatism (P = 0.02), minimum radius of curvature (P = 0.037), and apex power (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

There was a prominent variation in some topographic parameters based on gender, age, and refractive error. The information on corneal parameters obtained with Oculus Keratograph from normal eyes provides a reference for comparison with diseased corneas.

The prevalence of corneal abnormalities in first-degree relatives of patients with keratoconus: a prospective case-control study

PURPOSE

Although there is a high prevalence of keratoconus in the Middle East including Israel, limited data is available describing first-degree relatives of patients with sporadic keratoconus (KC) using Scheimpflug imaging. The purpose of this study is to accurately phenotype first-degree relatives of patients with sporadic KC in Israel using corneal tomography, which may help determine the genetic aetiology of KC.

METHODS

First-degree relatives (N = 56) of 16 KC probands participated in this prospective case-control study. Healthy controls (N = 96) were from a previous study. Autorefraction, visual acuity, slit lamp biomicroscopy, retinoscopy, subjective refraction and Scheimpflug imaging (CSO Sirius Topographer) of keratoconus patients and their first-degree relatives were evaluated. The worse eye was used for KC and KC suspects. The main outcome measure was prevalence of abnormal corneal topography and tomography parameters, which was compared between first-degree relatives vs controls. p values < 0.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

KC (N = 2) or KC suspect (N = 8) was diagnosed in 18% (95% CI 8-28%) of the first-degree relatives. At least one abnormal corneal parameter was evident in 34% of first-degree relatives, while this was significantly lower for controls (14%, χ2(1,N = 152)  = 8.8, p = 0.01). Qualitative analysis showed KC first-degree relatives had significantly more abnormal anterior corneal topography patterns than controls (34% vs 17%, χ2(1,N = 152)  = 5.9, p = 0.02). For first-degree relatives, sex was not a factor influencing prevalence of corneal abnormalities (18% for both men and women, χ2(1,N = 56)  = 0.0, p = 1.0). A significant correlation was found for first-degree relatives between age and most corneal parameters, while this was not evident for the control group.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Eye care practitioners should consider first-degree relatives of patients with KC at moderate risk for the disease and/or corneal abnormalities.

Distribution of Different Corneal Topography Patterns in Iranian Schoolchildren: The Shahroud Schoolchildren Eye Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the distribution of corneal topography patterns (CTPs) in children aged 6 to 12 years and its association with the central corneal thickness (CCT), axial length (AL), mean corneal power (MCP), and corneal astigmatism (CA).

METHODS

In this population-based study, 5,620 children selected through random stratified cluster sampling were examined. After applying the inclusion criteria, 4,655 right eyes were analyzed. The Pentacam was used to determine the CTP and measure CA and MCP, and the BioGraph was used to measure the AL. Corneal topography patterns were classified based on the 10 patterns proposed by Rabinowitz et al. RESULTS:: The most common pattern in the right eye was the oval pattern [32.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 30.9-34.5] followed by asymmetric bowtie with superior steepening (AB-SS) (14.5%, 95% CI: 13.3-15.7), whereas the rarest patterns were AB with skewed radial axis (AB-SRAX) (0.1%, 95% CI: 0.0-0.2) and irregular pattern (0.2%, 95% CI: 0.1-0.4). The similarity between the two eyes was 23.2% (95% CI: 20.9-25.7). The mean CCT was significantly higher in AB-SS than inferior steepening (IS) (P=0.023), symmetric bowtie with SRAX (SB-SRAX) (P=0.030), and AB with IS (AB-IS) (P=0.015). Corneal astigmatism was higher in SB-SRAX compared with round and oval patterns (P value for both <0.001). The AL was greater, and the MCP was lower in the oval versus the SB-SRAX pattern (P value for both <0.001).

CONCLUSION

The distribution of CTP was different in children and adults, and the oval and AB-SS patterns were the most common CTPs in the current study.

Mean Posterior Corneal Power and Astigmatism in Normal Versus Keratoconic Eyes

Purpose:

To compare mean posterior corneal power and astigmatism in normal versus keratoconus affected eyes and determine the optimal cut-off points to maximize sensitivity and specificity in discriminating keratoconus from normal corneas.

Methods:

A total of 204 normal eyes and 142 keratoconus affected eyes were enrolled in this prospective comparative study. Mean posterior corneal power and astigmatism were measured using a dual Scheimpflug camera. Correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relationship between the magnitudes of keratometric and posterior corneal astigmatism in the study groups. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the measured parameters and to identify the optimal cut-off points for discriminating keratoconus from normal corneas.

Results:

The mean posterior corneal power was −6.29 ± 0.20 D in the normal group and −7.77 ± 0.87 D in the keratoconus group (P < 0.001). The mean magnitudes of the posterior corneal astigmatisms were −0.32 ± 0.15 D and −0.94 ± 0.39 D in the normal and keratoconus groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Significant correlations were found between the magnitudes of keratometric and posterior corneal astigmatism in the normal (r=−0.76, P < 0.001) and keratoconus (r=−0.72, P < 0.001) groups. The mean posterior corneal power and astigmatism were highly reliable characteristics that distinguished keratoconus from normal corneas (area under the curve, 0.99 and 0.95, respectively). The optimal cut-off points of mean posterior corneal power and astigmatism were −6.70 D and −0.54 D, respectively.

Conclusion:

Mean posterior corneal power and astigmatism measured using a Galilei analyzer camera might have potential in diagnosing keratoconus. The cut-off points provided can be used for keratoconus screening.

Evaluating the repeatability of corneal elevation through calculating the misalignment between Successive topography measurements during the follow up of LASIK

The study aims to evaluate, using the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm, the repeatability of successive corneal elevation measurements taken post-LASIK. Two topography maps of 98 LASIK participants were recorded preoperatively (Pre), 1 month (Pos1M) and 3 months postoperatively (Pos3M). Elevation of the second measurement was fitted to the first measurement by calculating using ICP, and correcting for, both translational and rotational misalignment components. The RMS of elevation differences between anterior corneal measurements were statistically significant post-LASIK compared to preoperation (P < 0.05). A misalignment ratio used to describe the weighting of the elevation difference caused by misalignment relative to the total difference remained stable (0.40 and 0.23 for anterior and posterior corneal surfaces, respectively) in different periods. The study also considered the combined misalignment parameter (CM), which represents the total effect of all individual misalignment components on the repeatability of corneal topography maps. CM was significantly greater post-LASIK relative to pre-LASIK (P < 0.05). Overall, the contribution of misalignment to the total difference between successive corneal measurements remained stable pre and post operation, while the combined effect of refractive error correction and optical diameter appeared to have a significant influence on the elevation repeatability in the early stages of the follow up period.

Effects of Atopic Syndrome on Keratoconus

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of atopic syndrome on manifestations of keratoconus.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we reviewed patient files and data generated by Scheimpflug imaging of 670 eyes of 434 keratoconus patients. Patients were divided into a study group consisting of patients suffering from atopic syndrome (110 eyes of 75 patients), namely allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis, and/or allergic rhinitis, and a control group of patients without known atopic syndrome (560 eyes of 359 patients).

RESULTS

We found a significant difference with the mean age being 36.1 ± 11.7 for the control group, 32.8 ± 9.6 for the atopic group (P = 0.002) with 1 atopic trait, and 30.4 ± 7.5 for patients with 2 or more atopic traits (P = 0.002). No statistically significant differences were found in the mean corrected distance visual acuity, corneal pachymetry, minimum relative pachymetric progression (RPImin), mean refraction, keratoconus index, anterior chamber depth and volume, Kmax, and location of Kmax in relation to the corneal apex. However, we found a significantly higher corneal density for the anterior 120 μm of the cornea in the atopic group (control: 20.74 ± 4.68, atopic group: 21.92 ± 4.65 P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Keratoconus patients suffering from atopic syndrome were significantly younger but showed no topographical changes except in corneal densitometry compared with keratoconus patients without an atopic disease. This suggests atopic syndrome is a factor, which can trigger earlier manifestation of keratoconus.

Predictive Ability of Galilei to Distinguish Subclinical Keratoconus and Keratoconus from Normal Corneas

Purpose:

To determine the predictive ability of different data measured by the Galilei dual Scheimpflug analyzer in differentiating subclinical keratoconus and keratoconus from normal corneas.

Methods:

This prospective comparative study included 136 normal eyes, 23 eyes with subclinical keratoconus, and 51 keratoconic eyes. In each eye, keratometric values, pachymetry, elevation parameters and surface indices were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated and quantified by using the area under the curve (AUC) to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the measured parameters and to identify optimal cutoff points for differenciating subclinical keratoconus and keratoconus from normal corneas. Several model structures including keratometric, pachymetric, elevation parameters and surface indices were analyzed to find the best model for distinguishing subclinical and clinical keratoconus. The data sets were also examined using the non-parametric “classification and regression tree” (CRT) technique for the three diagnostic groups.

Results:

Nearly all measured parameters were strong enough to distinguish keratoconus. However, only the radius of best fit sphere and keratometry readings had an acceptable predictive accuracy to differentiate subclinical keratoconus. Elevation parameters and surface indices were able to differentiate keratoconus from normal corneas in 100% of eyes. Meanwhile, none of the parameter sets could effectively discriminate subclinical keratoconus; a 3-factor model including keratometric variables, elevation data and surface indices provided the highest predictive ability for this purpose.

Conclusion:

Surface indices measured by the Galilei analyzer can effectively differentiate keratoconus from normal corneas. However, a combination of different data is required to distinguish subclinical keratoconus.

Contemporary Treatment Paradigms in Keratoconus

The past 20 years have witnessed an explosion in our knowledge of keratoconus, accompanied by a radical transformation of management options. A 2-hit hypothesis proposes an underlying genetic predisposition coupled with external environmental factors, including eye rubbing and atopy. The variable prevalence and natural history have been better defined including significant cone progression in middle age. Therefore, current management must include early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and treatment of environmental cofactors. Spectacles and contact lenses remain fundamental to the optical management of keratoconus. Intrastromal corneal ring segments have been increasingly used, providing improvement in the corneal shape, corrected visual acuity, and contact lens wear. However, like contact lenses, intrastromal corneal ring segments do not treat the underlying disease process. Therefore, current approaches must also consider treatments to minimize keratoconus progression. Fortunately, there is increasing evidence that corneal collagen crosslinking will halt or slow progression in most cases. Until relatively recently, penetrating keratoplasty was the preferred intervention for advanced keratoconus, with long-term success in the region of 90%; however, the greatest risk of failure remains endothelial allograft rejection. Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty has emerged in the new millennium as a preferred approach to conserve the host endothelium and avoid rejection. Nonetheless, the overall superiority of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty compared with penetrating keratoplasty, in terms of optical and survival benefits, is still debated. This perspective provides an overview of our current knowledge of keratoconus and current management options. A step-ladder approach to managing keratoconus is outlined to provide the practitioner with a contemporary management paradigm.

Keratoconus in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Increasing evidence suggests that keratoconus may have an inflammatory component. The possible association of keratoconus with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of keratoconus and suspect keratoconus in patients with IBD.

METHODS

All consecutive adult IBD patients seen in the Department of Gastroenterology, Nancy, University Hospital, France, between March 2014 and June 2014 were included. Pregnant women, rigid lens wearers, patients with a family history of keratoconus and patients with a history of refractive surgery were excluded. A control group of healthy subjects was included. All included patients underwent a corneal topography (OPD-Scan III, Nidek) to detect keratoconus or suspect keratoconus. Rabinowitz videokeratographic indices were the basis of corneal topography interpretation.

RESULTS

Two hundred and one IBD patients were included, 150 with Crohn's disease and 51 with ulcerative colitis. Mean age was 38.7 years and 121 were women. Mean disease duration was 10.8 years. Two IBD patients were diagnosed with keratoconus (1%) and 38 with suspect keratoconus (18.9%). Overall prevalence of keratoconus and suspect keratoconus was 19.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 17.5-22.0). None of the 100 healthy subjects had keratoconus, while three were diagnosed with suspect keratoconus (p = 0.0002 versus IBD patients). Only smoking was identified as a risk factor (p = 0.029), especially in Crohn's disease.

CONCLUSION

Inflammatory bowel disease patients may carry an increased risk of keratoconus and suspect keratoconus, smoking further increasing this risk. This supports the hypothesis of an inflammatory origin of keratoconus.

Effect of Misalignment between Successive Corneal Videokeratography Maps on the Repeatability of Topography Data

Purpose

To improve the reliability of corneal topographic data through the development of a method to estimate the magnitude of misalignment between successive corneal videokeratography (VK) maps and eliminate the effect of misalignment on the repeatability of topography data.

Methods

Anterior and posterior topography maps were recorded twice for 124 healthy eyes of 124 participants using a Pentacam, and the repeatability of measurements was assessed by calculating the differences in elevation between each two sets of data. The repeatability of measurements was re-assessed following the determination of the magnitude of misalignment components (translational displacements: x₀, y₀ and z₀, and rotational displacements: α, β and γ) between each two data sets and using them to modify the second data set within each pair based on an Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm. The method simultaneously considered the anterior and posterior maps taken for the same eye since they were assumed to have the same set of misalignment components. A new parameter, named Combined Misalignment parameter (CM), has been developed to combine the effect of all six misalignment components on topography data and so enable study of the association between misalignment and the data repeatability test results.

Results

The repeatability tests resulted in average root mean square (RMS) differences in elevation data of 8.46±2.75 μm before ICP map matching when simultaneously considering anterior and posterior surfaces. With map matching and misalignment correction, the differences decreased to 7.28±2.58 μm (P = 0.00). When applied to only the anterior maps, misalignment correction led to a more pronounced reduction in elevation data differences from 4.58±1.84 μm to 2.97±1.29 μm (P = 0.00). CM was found to be associated with the repeatability error (P = 0.00), with posterior maps being responsible for most of the error due to their relatively lower accuracy compared to anterior maps.

Conclusions

The ICP algorithm can be used to estimate, and effectively correct for, the potential misalignment between successive corneal videokeratography maps.

Presence of Fleischer ring and prominent corneal nerves in keratoconus relatives and normal controls

AIM

To examine the occurrence of commonly known clinical signs of keratoconus (KC), i.e. Fleischer ring, prominent corneal nerves and thinning, among unaffected family members of KC patients and healthy control individuals.

METHODS

Data of both eyes of 117 relatives of KC patients having no manifest disease based on videokeratography indices (KC relatives), and 142 controls were used for Pearson correlation and t-test statistics. Correlation of Fleischer ring, prominent corneal nerves and central pachymetry data were tested with each other and with videokeratography indices (KSI, KISA, 3 and 6 mm Fourier asymmetry, and I-S).

RESULTS

A moderate correlation was found between Fleischer ring and all examined topographical indices. Most important correlation was present with 6 mm Fourier asymmetry, and corneal pachymetry (r=0.272, P<0.001; r=-0.234, P=0.027, respectively). Similar correlations were found with prominent corneal nerves (r=0.234, P<0.001 for 6 mm Fourier asymmetry and r=-0.235, P=0.0265 for pachymetry). KC family members who exhibited Fleischer ring or prominent nerves had thinner and more asymmetric corneas than those without Fleischer ring or prominent corneal nerves (P<0.05 for pachymetry and topographic indices with t-test and Mann-Whitney rank sum test). Though rarely, Fleischer ring and prominent corneal nerves occurred among normal controls, indicating the existence of forme fruste cases in the normal population. Control subjects, who had corneal Fleischer ring or prominent nerves had corneas more similar to KC than other controls (t-test: increased KSI and KISA, P=0.048 and 0.012, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In KC family members and healthy individuals, Fleischer ring and prominent corneal nerves are associated with features of KC and may suggest a possibility of forme fruste KC. Searching for the possible presence of Fleischer ring or prominent nerves on the cornea may help in the decision whether or not to diagnose subclinical KC in a borderline case.

Geometrical custom modeling of human cornea in vivo and its use for the diagnosis of corneal ectasia

AIM

To establish a new procedure for 3D geometric reconstruction of the human cornea to obtain a solid model that represents a personalized and in vivo morphology of both the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces. This model is later analyzed to obtain geometric variables enabling the characterization of the corneal geometry and establishing a new clinical diagnostic criterion in order to distinguish between healthy corneas and corneas with keratoconus.

METHOD

The method for the geometric reconstruction of the cornea consists of the following steps: capture and preprocessing of the spatial point clouds provided by the Sirius topographer that represent both anterior and posterior corneal surfaces, reconstruction of the corneal geometric surfaces and generation of the solid model. Later, geometric variables are extracted from the model obtained and statistically analyzed to detect deformations of the cornea.

RESULTS

The variables that achieved the best results in the diagnosis of keratoconus were anterior corneal surface area (ROC area: 0.847, p<0.000, std. error: 0.038, 95% CI: 0.777 to 0.925), posterior corneal surface area (ROC area: 0.807, p<0.000, std. error: 0.042, 95% CI: 0,726 to 0,889), anterior apex deviation (ROC area: 0.735, p<0.000, std. error: 0.053, 95% CI: 0.630 to 0.840) and posterior apex deviation (ROC area: 0.891, p<0.000, std. error: 0.039, 95% CI: 0.8146 to 0.9672).

CONCLUSION

Geometric modeling enables accurate characterization of the human cornea. Also, from a clinical point of view, the procedure described has established a new approach for the study of eye-related diseases.

Corneal topography patterns in the Tehran eye study: warning about the high prevalence of patterns with a skewed radial axis

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to determine the distribution of corneal topography patterns in Tehran.

Materials and Methods:

In this population-based study, a total of 442 individuals were randomly selected by cluster sampling for complete ophthalmologic examination. A total of 404 (788 eyes) met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in this study. Orbscan II (Bausch and Lomb Surgical, Salt Lake City, USA) was used to determine the anterior segment indices and axial power maps for each eye.

Results:

On the basis of the axial power maps, the symmetric bowtie (SB) (29.0%) and asymmetric bowtie with inferior steepening (16.7%) patterns were the most prevalent and the irregular (3.3%) and superior steepening (1.5%) patterns the least prevalent. Asymmetric bowtie pattern with a skewed radial axis (AB-SRAX) was seen in 7.6% of eyes. These cases had both thinner and steeper corneas compared with round and SB ones (P < 0.014 and P < 0.006). Maximum anterior elevation in 5 mm zone, of AB-SRAX corneas were higher than other patterns (P < 0.01) except for superior steepened and inferior steepened ones.

Conclusions:

The distribution of corneal topographic patterns in Iranians seems like other Asian population on the whole. The 7.6% prevalence of AB-SRAX patterns may be a warning on keratoconus prevalence in our population. This is in line with recent regional reports.

Evaluation of corneal microstructure in keratoconus: a confocal microscopy study

PURPOSE

To compare the corneal microstructure in patients with manifest keratoconus (KCN), subclinical KCN, and topographically normal relatives of patients with KCN and in healthy controls.

DESIGN

Prospective and cross-sectional study.

METHODS

We enrolled 145 subjects in the study. The participants were divided into 4 groups, based on clinical and topographical evaluation: the manifest KCN group (n = 30), the subclinical KCN group (n = 32), the KCN relatives group (n = 53), and the control group (n = 30). Corneal microstructure was assessed by corneal in vivo confocal microscopy in all of the individuals. Mean outcome measures were basal epithelial cell density, endothelial cell density, anterior keratocyte density, posterior keratocyte density, sub-basal nerve density, sub-basal nerve diameter, and stromal nerve diameter.

RESULTS

The mean basal epithelial cell density, endothelial cell density, and sub-basal nerve diameter were not significantly different among the 4 groups (P = 0.057, P = 0.592, and P = 0.393, respectively). The mean anterior and posterior stromal keratocyte densities were significantly lower in the manifest group, in the subclinical group, and in the relatives group when compared with the control group (for both parameters; P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P< 0.001, respectively). The mean stromal nerve diameter in the manifest group, subclinical group, and relatives group was significantly higher than in the control group (P = 0.001, P = 0.049, and P = 0.004, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The anterior and posterior stromal keratocyte densities were statistically lower and stromal nerve diameter was statistically higher in patients with manifest KCN, subclinical KCN, and topographically normal KCN relatives compared with controls. Confocal microscopy may be useful for the determination of early corneal microstructural changes before manifestation of typical or subtle topographic signs.

Evaluation of the shape symmetry of bilateral normal corneas in a Chinese population

PURPOSE

To investigate the bilateral symmetry of the global corneal topography in normal corneas with a wide range of curvature, astigmatism and thickness values.

DESIGN

Cross-Sectional Study.

METHODS

Topography images were recorded for the anterior and posterior surfaces of 342 participants using a Pentacam. Elevation data were fitted to a general quadratic model that considered both translational and rotational displacements. Comparisons between fellow corneas of estimates of corneal shape parameters (elevation, radius in two main directions, Rx and Ry, and corresponding shape factors, Qx and Qy) and corneal position parameters (translational displacements: x0, y0 and z0, and rotational displacements: α, β and γ) were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The general quadratic model provided average RMS of fit errors with the topography data of 1.7±0.6 µm and 5.7±1.3 µm in anterior and posterior corneal surfaces. The comparisons showed highly significant bilateral correlations with the differences between fellow corneas in Rx, Ry, Qx and Qy of anterior and posterior surfaces remaining insignificantly different from zero. Bilateral differences in elevation measurements at randomly-selected points in both corneal central and peripheral areas indicated strong mirror symmetry between fellow corneas. The mean geometric center (x0, y0, z0) of both right and left corneas was located on the temporal side and inferior-temporal side of the apex in anterior and posterior topography map, respectively. Rotational displacement angle α along X axis had similar distributions in bilateral corneas, while rotation angle β along Y axis showed both eyes tilting towards the nasal side. Further, rotation angle γ along Z axis, which is related to corneal astigmatism, showed clear mirror symmetry.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of corneal topography demonstrated strong and statistically-significant mirror symmetry between bilateral corneas. This characteristic could help in detection of pathological abnormalities, disease diagnosis, measurement validation and surgery planning.

Characterization of corneal structure in keratoconus

The increasing volume of patients interested in refractive surgery and the new treatment options available for keratoconus have generated a higher interest in achieving a better characterization of this pathology. The ophthalmic devices for corneal analysis and diagnosis have experienced a rapid development during the past decade with the implementation of technologies such as the Placido-disk corneal topography and the introduction of others such as scanning-slit topography, Scheimpflug photography, and optical coherence tomography, which are able to accurately describe not only the geometry of the anterior corneal surface but also that of the posterior surface, as well as pachymetry and corneal volume. Specifically, anterior and posterior corneal elevation, corneal power, pachymetry maps, and corneal coma-like aberrometry data provide sufficient information for an accurate characterization of the cornea to avoid misleading diagnoses of patients and provide appropriate counseling of refractive surgery candidates.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Keratoconus in 18 pairs of twins

PURPOSE

To describe the concordance of keratoconus in 18 sets of twins.

METHODS

Thirteen monozygotic (MZ) and five dizygotic (DZ) pairs of twins were identified during an investigation of familial keratoconus. We used 16 forensic microsatellite markers to confirm the zygosity of same sex twins. Patients and available relatives were examined for signs of keratoconus using corneal topography. For each pair of twins, the severity of keratoconus in each eye was graded according to the steepest keratometry value and the average difference in score between the MZ and DZ twins compared.

RESULTS

All of the MZ twins and four of the five DZ twins were concordant for keratoconus but with differences in age of onset and severity of disease. The subjective age of onset of keratoconus tended to be earlier in the MZ twins (16.4 years, SD 4.66) than in the DZ twins (20.3 years, SD 7.55) (p=0.086). Additional relatives with keratoconus were identified in two (16%) of the families with MZ twins and in three (60%) of the families of DZ twins. The mean difference in severity scores was 1.4 (SD 1.73) for the MZ twins and 3.0 (SD 1.00) for the DZ twins (p=0.035).

CONCLUSION

This data provide evidence that the severity of keratoconus is more concordant in MZ than in DZ twins. The results support the currently accepted hypothesis of an important genetic contribution towards the pathogenesis of keratoconus, but suggest that there is also an environmental effect on the expression of disease.

Incidence and characteristics of unilateral keratoconus classified on corneal topography

PURPOSE

To evaluate the characteristics of unilateral keratoconus defined on the basis of corneal topography and analyze videokeratography parameters between fellow eyes and normal controls.

METHODS

A total of 111 patients with clinical keratoconus were prospectively enrolled. Both eyes were evaluated with Tomey (Tomey Corp) and Orbscan II (Bausch & Lomb) corneal topography systems. The patient was classified as having unilateral keratoconus if one eye had clinical keratoconus and the other eye did not have any topographic signs of keratoconus such as asymmetric videokeratographic pattern, positive result in Tomey keratoconus screening, maximum posterior elevation >40 μm, or corneal thinnest pachymetry <500 μm. Clinical characteristics and 13 Orbscan II quantitative indices between keratoconic and fellow eyes and normal control eyes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Five (4.5%) of 111 patients with keratoconus had no topographic evidence of keratoconus in the fellow eye. All clinically normal fellow eyes had symmetric bowtie patterns. Statistically significant differences were noted in maximum posterior elevation, corneal irregularity, and corneal thinnest values between keratoconic eyes and fellow eyes, and between keratoconic eyes and control eyes. Only 3-mm irregularity was significantly higher in the fellow eyes compared with control eyes (P<.05). An increased trend for corneal 5-mm irregularity was found in fellow eyes compared to control eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of unilateral keratoconus was 4.5%. A trend of higher irregularity was found in fellow eyes compared with control eyes. This finding indicates that fellow eyes may show a certain low-expressivity morphologic feature of keratoconus.

Corneal topographic changes in healthy siblings of patients with keratoconus

AIM

To describe the involvement in relatives of keratoconus (KCN) patients with corneal topography map.

METHODS

A total of 150 siblings of 300 eyes of 75 KCN patients referred to corneal clinic were studied and experienced complete slit-lamp, refraction examinations and topographic cornea maps provided by videophotoker-atography. ANOVA, Fisher exact and Chi-square tests performed to compare of results.

RESULTS

Of 150 siblings, 56% were female and 44% were male with average age of 21 (range 15-39) years. KCN and suspect KCN diagnosed in 12.3% and 6.6% respectively. The central keratometry (CK) was 46.5±4.51 dioptr (D) in KCN and 45.66±1.52D in suspect KCN. Inferior-superior value (I-S) was 3.51±2.5D in KCN and 1.56±1.22D in suspect KCN. In KCN condition the oval pattern was 67.6% (n=25) and Round pattern detected 32.4% (n=12). In suspect KCN these patterns detected 90% and 10% respectively. Refractive errors in KCN were -7.5 to +1.25 dioptr (-1.25±1.83), in suspect KCN 0.45 to -4.2 dioptr (-0.68±0.76) and in healthy group 2.75 to -7.5 dioptr (-0.6±1.12). Astigmatism was mild in 22.7%, moderate and sever astigmatism in 18.3% in KCN and suspect KCN CONCLUSION: Increasing KCN condition in healthy siblings of KCN patients shows require to screening plan to early diagnose and cautionly treatment of contact lens in these individuals.

2008 Sir Norman McAlister Gregg Lecture: 150 years of practical observations on the conical cornea--what have we learned?

The first detailed descriptions of keratoconus were published exactly 150 years ago in the original work of Dr John Nottingham, bringing a degree of clarity to a previously confusing clinical phenomenon--further supported by observations of other contemporaries in the field such as Sir William Bowman. However, it would be another 100 years before knowledge of keratoconus would grow substantially; indeed, our current level of understanding is primarily a result of extensive clinical and laboratory research conducted over the last 50 years--particularly based upon the enormous technological advances of the last two decades. Large clinical studies have confirmed that keratoconus is a non-inflammatory corneal disease with central or paracentral corneal thinning, which exhibits progressive corneal steepening and protrusion that typically results in increasing regular and thereafter irregular astigmatism. Ultimately, disease progression may lead to corneal scarring, corneal hydrops and loss of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. Although visual rehabilitation may be effected by expert contact lens fitting, 20% of subjects may require corneal transplantation. This Gregg lecture provides a highly referenced, wide-ranging overview of both historical and contemporary aspects of keratoconus, including diagnostic, phenotypic and prognostic factors revealed by large clinical studies, critical diagnostic advances enabled by Placido and slit-scanning computerized corneal topography, the emerging roles of higher order aberration wave-front analysis and corneal hysteresis in delineating early and subclinical keratoconus, inheritance and genetic predisposition to keratoconus, corneal microstructural changes unveiled by in vivo confocal microscopy, unifying theories to explain associations between keratoconus, atopy, eye rubbing and keratocyte apoptosis, and surgical options for keratoconus, such as corneal transplantation, intrastromal ring segments, collagen cross-linking and keratocyte transplantation. However, 150 years along the path our knowledge of keratoconus remains incomplete, but technological advances should enable us to put together the final pieces of the jigsaw in the foreseeable future.

Fluorescein pattern interpretation in keratoconus

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of disease severity on how accurately contact lens fluorescein patterns can be interpreted in keratoconus by clinician assessment.

METHODS

Two clinicians evaluated fluorescein patterns on 111 eyes of 60 patients with mild (<45 D, 14 eyes), moderate (45 D to 52 D, 61 eyes,) and severe (>52 D, 36 eyes) keratoconus. The masked clinicians were given six contact lenses in random order, the lens that just cleared the corneal apex (the first definite apical clearance lens), three lenses flatter (in 0.1 mm increments), and two lenses steeper (in 0.1 mm increments) than the first definite apical clearance lens. They ranked the lenses from flattest to steepest, based on the fluorescein patterns. The percentage of lenses correctly ranked was determined using (1) exact match with actual; (2) within 0.1 mm of actual; and (3) within 0.2 mm of actual. Accuracy was assessed as the sum of the squared differences between the actual base curve value and each clinician's ranking. Comparison of the mean percentage correctly ranked and accuracy for each keratoconus severity groups was performed using a mixed linear model.

RESULTS

Neither percentage correctly ranked (using any of the three protocols) nor accuracy was found to be related to severity of keratoconus (p > 0.15 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS

Accuracy of ranking contact lenses in order of base curve radius based on fluorescein pattern assessment by clinicians does not seem to be related to severity of keratoconus. Many factors influence interpretation of fluorescein patterns including all components of the system, fluorescein, tears, cornea, contact lens, external forces, and technique.

Keratoconus diagnosis with optical coherence tomography pachymetry mapping

OBJECTIVE

To detect abnormal corneal thinning in keratoconus using pachymetry maps measured by high-speed anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-seven keratoconic eyes from 21 subjects and 36 eyes from 18 normal subjects.

METHODS

The OCT system operated at a 1.3 microm wavelength with a scan rate of 2000 axial scans per second. A pachymetry scan pattern (8 radials, 128 axial scans each; 10 mm diameter) centered at the corneal vertex was used to map the corneal thickness. The pachymetry map was divided into zones by octants and annular rings. Five pachymetric parameters were calculated from the region inside the 5 mm diameter: minimum, minimum-median, inferior-superior (I-S), inferotemporal-superonasal (IT-SN), and the vertical location of the thinnest cornea. The 1-percentile value of the normal group was used to define the diagnostic cutoff. Placido-ring-based corneal topography was obtained for comparison.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The OCT pachymetric parameters and a quantitative topographic keratoconus index (keratometry, I-S, astigmatism, and skew percentage [KISA%]) were used for keratoconus diagnosis. Diagnostic performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AROC) curve.

RESULTS

Keratoconic corneas were thinner. The pachymetric minimum averaged 452.6+/-60.9 microm in keratoconic eyes versus 546+/-23.7 microm in normal eyes. The 1-percentile cutoff was 491.6 microm. The thinnest location was inferiorly displaced in keratoconus (-805+/-749 microm vs -118+/-260 microm; cutoff, -716 microm). The thinning was focal (minimum-median: -95.2+/-41.1 microm vs -45+/-7.7 microm; cutoff, -62.6 microm). Keratoconic maps were more asymmetric (I-S, -44.8+/-28.7 microm vs -9.9+/-9.3 microm; cutoff, -31.3 microm; and IT-SN, -63+/-35.7 microm vs -22+/-11.4 microm; cutoff, -48.2 microm). Keratoconic eyes had a higher KISA% index (2641+/-5024 vs 21+/-19). All differences were statistically significant (t test, P<0.0001). Applying the diagnostic criteria of any 1 OCT pachymetric parameter below the keratoconus cutoff yielded an AROC of 0.99, which was marginally better (P = .09) than the KISA% topographic index (AROC, 0.91).

CONCLUSIONS

Optical coherence tomography pachymetry maps accurately detected the characteristic abnormal corneal thinning in keratoconic eyes. This method was at least as sensitive and specific as the topographic KISA.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Topographic evaluation of relatives of patients with keratoconus

PURPOSE

To evaluate topographic corneal changes in relatives of patients with keratoconus (KCN).

METHODS

In a prospective study, 300 eyes of 150 relatives of 45 patients with KCN were evaluated. Complete slit-lamp examination, refraction, and corneal topography were performed for all eyes. The topographic indices for diagnosis of KCN were from Rabinowitz criteria.

RESULTS

The study included 84 (56%) female and 66 (44%) male subjects. Mean age was 32.4 +/- 15 years (range, 16-83 years). KCN was diagnosed in 14% of the subjects and another 7.3% were suspicious for KCN. The overall prevalence of astigmatism was 58%, including 42.1% in the KCN group, 66.7% in the KCN suspect group, and 49.6% in the healthy group. Thirty-one eyes had high regular astigmatism (>1.5 D) including 17 (54.8%) in the KCN group and 14 (45.2%) in the healthy group. Oblique astigmatism was seen in 33 (11%) eyes, including 34.2% in the KCN group, 47.6% in the suspicious KCN group, and 4.6% in the healthy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Relatives of patients with KCN have a high prevalence of undiagnosed KCN. Corneal topography is important for the diagnosis of KCN and KCN suspects in family members of patients with KCN. Therefore, keratorefractive surgery should be considered cautiously in these individuals.

Evaluation of corneal topography with Orbscan II in first-degree relatives of patients with keratoconus

PURPOSE

To evaluate the corneal topographic characteristics of first-degree relatives of patients with keratoconus with corneal topography to determine the incidence of clinical keratoconus and topographic abnormalities.

METHODS

Between February and August 2006, Orbscan II analysis was done in 144 eyes of 72 cases who were first-degree relatives of patients diagnosed with clinical keratoconus. The findings were compared with preoperative Orbscan analyses of 52 clinically normal individuals who underwent laser in situ keratomileusis surgery and did not develop corneal ectasia in 3 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

In 8 of the 72 first-degree relatives of patients with keratoconus, clinical keratoconus was diagnosed by the topographic pattern in Orbscan and clinical examination (group 1). The remaining 64 subjects (group 2) were compared with the control group (group 3). The central corneal thickness was 523.7 +/- 40.4 microm in group 2, whereas it was 546.3 +/- 33.1 microm in group 3 (P < 0.05). The central corneal thickness, thinnest pachymetric reading, posterior elevation value, distance between the greatest anterior/posterior elevation points, and corneal center, posterior best fit sphere (BFS) values, posterior BFS:anterior BFS ratio, and irregularity values were significantly different between group 2 and group 3 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The keratoconus incidence was found to be 11% in first-degree relatives of patients with keratoconus as opposed to a reported incidence of keratoconus of 0.05% in the general population. In first-degree relatives of patients with keratoconus who did not have a topographic keratoconus pattern, abnormal corneal topographic values were detected. The asymptomatic relatives of patients with keratoconus should undergo a thorough preoperative analysis for subtle topographic abnormalities before any keratorefractive surgery.

Heritability of Corneal Curvature and Astigmatism

PURPOSE

To study child-parent similarities and the heritability of corneal shape by applying a variance component model to videokeratographic data.

METHODS

Sixteen astigmatic (keratometric cylinder >/= 1.0 D) and 18 nonastigmatic (keratometric cylinder < 1.0 D) children, 7-14 years of age (mean age, 9.5 years), were enrolled with their parents. Corneal curvature, corneal astigmatism (axis and magnitude), asphericity, corneal uniformity index, and Rabinowitz McDonnell inferior-superior dioptric asymmetry value (I-S value), as well as spherical and astigmatic topographic patterns, were determined by a corneal topographer. Child-parent comparisons were assessed through a 1-way analysis of variance and the chi test. For corneal curvature, corneal astigmatism, and asphericity, heritability was estimated by a variance component model after adjustments were made for age and sex.

RESULTS

Both astigmatic and nonastigmatic children showed steeper keratometric values than their parents (P < 0.05). The axis values of corneal astigmatism showed no statistically significant difference (P = 0.684) between astigmatic offspring and their parents, whereas the magnitude values were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in astigmatic children. Altogether, 68% (95% confidence interval [CI], 66%-72%) of child-parent comparisons showed the same topographic pattern between parents and their offspring. Heritability values (48%; 95% CI, 36%-57%) were statistically significant for corneal curvature (P < 0.00001) and <30% for corneal astigmatism and asphericity.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of a variance component model to videokeratographic child-parent comparisons suggests that the genetic contribution to corneal shape affects corneal curvature rather than corneal astigmatism.

Vertical D

PURPOSE

To describe a novel topographic curvature pattern, vertical D, which was present in some keratoconus suspects. This pattern was detected retrospectively in 2 patients who developed post-LASIK ectasia and prospectively in 4 patients who had other corneal abnormalities suggestive of keratoconus.

DESIGN

Retrospective interventional case series and prospective cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

After vertical D topographic curvature patterns were noted in 2 patients (3 eyes) who developed post-LASIK ectasia, 1168 consecutive potential refractive surgical candidates (2336 eyes) evaluated at a refractive center were screened to detect this vertical D pattern.

METHODS

Placido disc-based curvature topography, ultrasound pachymetry, and elevation-based Scheimpflug topography were performed on these patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Corneal curvature topographic patterns, central keratometry, inferior-superior and nasal-temporal ratios, skewed radial axis value, Humphrey Atlas PathFinder corneal analysis, corneal thickness, and corneal anterior and posterior elevation.

RESULTS

Four additional patients (7 eyes) with vertical D patterns were found (prevalence, 0.34%). In addition to this vertical D pattern, these patients had central corneal thickness < 500 microm and/or posterior corneal protrusion > 20 microm or positive results on keratoconus detection analyses. The 10 eyes with the vertical D pattern had more horizontal (nasal-temporal ratio) than vertical (inferior-superior ratio) curvature asymmetry: 0.98+/-0.04 diopters versus 0.44+/-0.2 diopters (paired t test, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that vertical D is a novel corneal curvature pattern reflecting horizontal asymmetry that was present in keratoconus suspect patients even if standard keratoconus analyses' results were negative.

Topographic Indications of Emerging Keratoconus in Teenage New Zealanders

PURPOSE

To screen a population of teenagers for emerging topographic signs of keratoconus (KC), with particular reference to ethnicity.

METHODS

Corneal topography, visual acuity, and an environmental risk factor analysis were included in a screening program designed to identify early indications of potential KC in teenagers. Two schools from central North Island, New Zealand, were invited to participate: one with predominantly Maori/Polynesian students and the other with students of mainly European descent.

RESULTS

A total of 198 Maori/Polynesian, 16.8 +/- 1.05 years of age, and 243 European students, 16.2 +/- 1.3 years of age, participated in the study. Corneal topography suggestive strongly of KC was evident in 3 Maori/Polynesian [1.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.3-4.3] and no European students (0%; 95% CI, 0%-1.5%). Anomalous corneal topography reminiscent of emerging KC in at least 1 eye were found in 19% (95% CI, 15.6%-22.9%). A significant difference (P = 0.0014) in the percentage of suspected KC was found between European students (12.9%; 95% CI, 9.2%-17.9%) and Maori/Polynesian students (26.9%; 95% CI, 21.0%-33.7%). In multivariate analyses, the significant independent predictors of probable or suspected KC included being Maori/Polynesian [odds ratio (OR) = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.25-3.54; P = 0.0052], increasing age (OR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.10-1.80; P = 0.0067), and a history of hayfever (OR = 2.0; 95% CI, 1.16-3.59; P = 0.013). Topographical indicators that were associated significantly with suspected KC included central keratometry (P < 0.0001), astigmatism (P = 0.014), and inferior-superior asymmetry (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although only a longitudinal study will determine the proportion of true KC candidates, these data provide evidence of ethnicity-related differences in corneal topography in teenage New Zealanders.