Changes in Corneal Densitometry Values of 50 Corneal Layers After Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction (KLEx): A 6-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To investigate the changes in the corneal densitometry (CD) values after keratorefractive lenticule extraction (KLEx) and their influencing factors.

METHODS

CD values of 50 layers of the right corneas of the participants, measured using a Pentacam (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH) at different points after KLEx, were obtained from a database and analyzed. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare CDs between postoperative time, regions, and corneal depths.

RESULTS

Fifty-two participants were included. At 1 week after surgery, CDs of the corneal center, para-center, and non-incised periphery increased by 24.23%, 24.49%, and 11.42% at the superior and inferior 20 μm and 14.54%, 13.39%, and 7.82% at the superior and inferior 40 μm of the junctions of the corneal cap and stromal bed, respectively, from their preoperative values. No significant differences were observed in maximum CD values between the corneal center, para-center, and non-incised periphery groups between preoperative and 6-year postoperative measurements (P = .07, .81, and .96, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

There was an initial significant increase in CD, particularly near the junctions of the corneal cap and stromal bed. Maximum CDs returned to preoperative values after 6 years. [J Refract Surg. 2025;41(4):e365-e373.].