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Corneal biomechanical properties in thyroid eye disease
Gamze Ozturk Karabulut1, Pelin Kaynak1, Cıgdem Altan1
1Beyoglu Eye Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
|May 20, 2014
Summary
Thyroid eye disease (TED) significantly lowers corneal hysteresis (CH), a key biomechanical property. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements are also elevated in TED patients, correlating with disease severity.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Biomechanics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune condition affecting the orbit.
- Corneal biomechanical properties are crucial for accurate intraocular pressure (IOP) assessment.
- The impact of TED on corneal biomechanics requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of TED on corneal biomechanical properties.
- To explore the relationship between these properties and TED severity.
- To compare IOP measurements in TED patients versus healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), and IOP were measured using the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA).
- Standard ophthalmic measurements including IOP with Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), axial length (AL), and central corneal thickness (CCT) were performed.
- Thyroid ophthalmopathy activity was assessed using the VISA classification.
Main Results:
- TED patients exhibited significantly lower CH compared to controls.
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) measured by GAT and Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) (IOPg, IOPcc) was significantly higher in TED patients.
- A negative correlation was found between CH and VISA grading, indicating decreased CH with increased TED severity.
Conclusions:
- TED adversely affects corneal biomechanical properties, specifically reducing corneal hysteresis.
- Elevated IOP measurements (GAT, IOPg) are observed in TED patients.
- Corneal hysteresis serves as a potential indicator of TED severity.
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