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Related Experiment Videos

Keratoconus-like topographic changes in keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Cintia S De Paiva1, Lindsey D Harris, Stephen C Pflugfelder

  • 1Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College Of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.

Cornea
|December 28, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Aqueous tear deficiency (ATD) and nocturnal lagophthalmos can cause inferior corneal steepening, mimicking keratoconus. This finding suggests dry eye disease may induce keratoconus-like changes.

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Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Corneal Imaging
  • Dry Eye Disease

Background:

  • Nocturnal lagophthalmos and aqueous tear deficiency (ATD) are common ocular conditions.
  • Keratoconus is a progressive thinning and ectasia of the cornea.
  • Distinguishing true keratoconus from other causes of corneal steepening is crucial for appropriate management.

Observation:

  • A case study describes a patient with nocturnal lagophthalmos and ATD presenting with inferior corneal steepening.
  • Videokeratoscopy revealed a keratoconus-like topographic pattern in the affected eye.
  • Corneal thickness was normal, ruling out significant ectasia.

Findings:

  • Asymmetric inferior corneal steepening was observed, with specific indices suggesting keratoconus suspicion.

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  • A similar topographic pattern was noted in 7 out of 74 previously evaluated dry eye patients.
  • Chronic ocular desiccation appears to be a contributing factor.

    • Implications:

    • Aqueous tear deficiency and chronic ocular surface desiccation may induce corneal changes that mimic keratoconus.
    • This highlights the importance of considering dry eye in the differential diagnosis of keratoconus-like topography.
    • Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and long-term effects of dry eye on corneal shape.