Slit-scanning topography in vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To determine slit-scanning topographic (SST) pattern of eyes with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and to detect the incidence of keratoconus in this population when compared with a healthy control group.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A total of 104 patients, 50 eyes with VKC and 54 normal eyes, were included in this study. A comparison was performed between the two groups on the basis of SST data. Distribution curves were established for anterior and posterior elevation peaks, and for the pachymetric index.

RESULTS

Anterior and posterior elevation peaks, elevation color patterns, central curvature, thinnest pachymetry, and pachymetric index differed significantly between VKC and control group (P < .05). Distribution curves have also shown abnormal patterns in VKC. Significant correlations were found between elevation peaks and pachymetric index (P < .001), and exponential curves were plotted. A higher frequency of keratoconus was found in the VKC group (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with VKC have more abnormal corneal SST patterns than controls. SST abnormal findings may alert us for the risk of keratoconus in this population.