[The relationship between keratoconus and axial myopia].

PURPOSE: To study the relationship between keratoconus and axial myopia.

METHODS

We prospectively studied refraction and ocular biometry in 100 consecutive keratoconus eyes, and 100 emmetropic eyes. Biometric data (including posterior segment length) were obtained by A-scan ultrasound, Orbscan, and ultrasonic pachymetry. Biometric measurements were compared in both groups.

RESULTS

Anterior chamber depth, posterior segment length and axial length were significantly different between the two groups (p<0.001). Axial length was significantly greater in the keratoconus group than in the emmetropic group (23.97 mm versus 23.21 mm, p<0.001). Posterior segment length was significantly greater in the keratoconus group than in the emmetropic group (16.54 mm versus 15.99 mm, p<0.001). In the keratoconus group, the posterior segment length and the subjective spherical equivalent were significantly correlated (rs=-0.45, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The increase in posterior segment length in the keratoconus group and the correlation between posterior segment length and spherical equivalent in the keratoconus group suggest a statistical relationship between keratoconus and axial myopia.