Topographic and biomechanical evaluation of corneas in patients with ocular rosacea

To compare the topographic and biomechanical properties of corneas in the eyes of patients with ocular rosacea (OR) with those of healthy individuals.

Thirty-four healthy individuals (control group) and 34 patients with OR (study group) were evaluated in this study. Topographic measurements including keratometry values, irregularity, and surface asymmetry index in the right eye of each participant were obtained using a Scheimpflug camera with a Placido disc topographer (Sirius). Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOP), and Goldmann-related IOP were measured using the Reichert Ocular Response Analyzer. Central corneal thickness was also measured using ultrasonic pachymetry and the Sirius corneal topography system.

Topographic parameters were not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05). Mean CH and CRF were significantly lower in patients with OR (P = 0.003 and 0.001, respectively). Central corneal thickness was significantly lower in patients with OR compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001). Mean Goldmann-related IOP and corneal-compensated IOP were not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.09 and 0.13, respectively).

This study demonstrated that although the eyes of patients with OR had corneal topographic findings similar to those of healthy controls, corneal biomechanical measurements (CH and CRF) were significantly lower in patients with OR. These results need to be considered when planning corneal refractive surgery in patients with OR.