Anterior segment parameters and eyelids in systemic sclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Rheumatology
• Systemic Diseases

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease that can affect various organs, including the eyes.
• Ocular manifestations in SSc patients require further investigation, particularly concerning anterior segment parameters and their relationship with skin changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate anterior segment numerical parameters in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
• To assess the influence of eyelid skin changes on these anterior segment parameters in SSc patients.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 34 SSc patients and 34 healthy controls.
• Anterior segment parameters (ACD, volume, angle width, corneal thickness, pupil size, corneal volume, keratometry) were measured using Sirius Scheimpflug/Placido topography.
• Eyelid thickness was assessed via the modified Rodnan skin score, with patients subgrouped accordingly.

Main Results:

• SSc patients exhibited steeper, thinner corneas, smaller corneal volumes, and narrower anterior segments compared to controls.
• A statistically significant reduction in mean anterior chamber depth (ACD) was observed in the right eyes of SSc patients (p=0.047).
• SSc patients with moderate to severe eyelid thickening showed lower ACD values, whereas those with mild thickening had similar parameters to controls.

Conclusions:

• Anterior segment parameters in SSc patients can differ significantly from healthy individuals.
• These ocular parameter changes correlate with the degree of eyelid thickening in SSc patients.
• The observed anterior segment alterations appear associated with, but not solely secondary to, eyelid changes in systemic sclerosis.