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Corneal biomechanical properties and retinal vascular caliber in children
Laurence Lim1, Ning Cheung, Gus Gazzard
1Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.
Insights
Lower corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) are linked to narrower retinal arterioles in children. This study highlights a potential connection between corneal biomechanics and retinal vascular health in young Singaporeans.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Public Health
Background:
- Corneal biomechanical properties are crucial for ocular health and refractive error development.
- Retinal vascular caliber is an indicator of systemic vascular health and may be influenced by ocular factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between corneal biomechanical parameters (corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor) and retinal vascular caliber (arteriolar and venular equivalents) in healthy Singaporean children.
- To explore potential links between ocular structural and functional measures in a pediatric cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 257 healthy children from the Singapore Cohort Study of Risk Factors for Myopia.
- Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), central corneal thickness (CCT), and corneal compensated intraocular pressure (IOPCC) were measured using a dynamic bi-directional applanation device.
- Digital retinal photography was used to calculate the central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE).
Main Results:
- Mean age was 13.97 years. Mean CH was 11.80 mm Hg and mean CRF was 11.83 mm Hg.
- After adjusting for covariates, increased CH and CRF were significantly associated with wider CRAE (arteriolar caliber).
- No significant associations were found between CRVE (venular caliber) and the measured corneal biomechanical properties or central corneal thickness.
Conclusions:
- Lower corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor are associated with narrower retinal arterioles in Singaporean children.
- These findings suggest a potential link between corneal biomechanical properties and retinal microvasculature in pediatric populations.
- Further research is warranted to understand the clinical implications of these associations.
Purpose:
To examine the relationship between corneal biomechanical properties and retinal vascular caliber in Singaporean children in a cross-sectional study of 257 healthy subjects from the Singapore Cohort Study of Risk Factors for Myopia.
Methods:
Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), central corneal thickness (CCT), and corneal compensated intraocular pressure (IOP(CC)) were measured with a patented dynamic bi-directional applanation device. Digital retinal photography was performed, and retinal vascular caliber was measured with custom software. The central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) were calculated, representing the average arteriolar and venular calibers. Spherical equivalent (SE) refraction, axial length, height, weight, and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) were measured.
Results:
Mean values of this study were as follows: age of study subjects, 13.97 +/- 0.90 years; CH, 11.80 +/- 1.55 mm Hg; CRF, 11.83 +/- 1.72 mm Hg; CCT, 578.76 +/- 34.47 microm; IOP(CC), 15.12 +/- 2.84 mm Hg; CRAE, 151.70 +/- 15.54 microm; CRVE, 227.51 +/- 22.82 microm. After controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index, father's educational level, MABP, IOP, and SE, there was a significant increase in CRAE by 1.40 microm (95% CI: 0.17-2.61; P = 0.03) for every 1.55 mm Hg increase in CH and by 1.68 microm (95% CI: 0.21-3.15; P = 0.03) for every 1.72 mm Hg increase in CRF. There were no significant associations between CRVE and CH, CRF, CCT, or IOP.
Conclusions:
Lower CH and CRF are associated with narrower retinal arterioles in Singaporean children.
