[Increase in posterior segment depth in eyes with corneal opacities]

Studies in animals and in humans demonstrate an increase in axial length and induced myopia in eyes with early onset corneal scars. The purpose of this study was to compare the total ocular axial length and the length of the anterior and the posterior segments, in eyes with unilateral central corneal opacification with the unaffected fellow eyes. Elongation of the eye and progressive myopia, may lead to both anisometropia and amblyopia.

In six patients with unilateral corneal opacification that developed at an early age, complete eye examinations with refraction were performed. Ocular axial measurements were determined by A-mode ultrasound.

The mean ocular length was greater in eyes with central corneal opacities compared with the fellow eyes (27.53 vs. 23.38 mm; p < 0.003), due to elongation of the posterior segment (19.75 mm vs. 15.87 mm; p<0.008). No significant change was found in the length of the anterior segments.

Our study showed an ipsilateral increase in the posterior segment length in patients with unilateral corneal opacification which had occurred in childhood. The cause is unknown but may be due to altered visual input. Progressive myopia in corneal leukoma is a factor to be taken into account in the follow-up and treatment of patients with central corneal opacities that occurred in childhood.