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

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.