3-D characterization of the corneal shape in Fuchs dystrophy and pseudophakic keratopathy

To characterize the 3-D corneal shape deformation incurred by Fuchs corneal dystrophy and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy by using the integrated analysis of Orbscan (Bausch & Lomb Surgical, Rochester, NY) topographic maps of affected and normal corneas.

One hundred thirty-seven patients with Fuchs dystrophy or pseudophakic keratopathy were divided into three groups according to the severity of the disease: mild (central corneal thickness [CCT], 500-710 μm; n = 46); moderate (710-775 μm; n = 45), and severe (775-1100 μm; n = 46). A control group included 411 normal subjects matched for age and refractive spherical equivalent (three control subjects for each subject with Fuchs or pseudophakic keratopathy). The four groups were compared by using 3-D corneal shape atlases illustrating mean anterior elevation, posterior elevation, and pachymetry.

Whereas the atlases showed little anterior surface deformation, the posterior surface presented a significant central bulging toward the anterior chamber. The thinnest point was displaced away from the center, toward the superior nasal midperiphery. The corneal periphery remained relatively unaffected by the disease, except in the final stage.

3-D atlases provided detailed new information on the 3-D corneal shape deformation incurred by Fuchs corneal dystrophy throughout disease progression.