Detection of the early keratoconus based on corneal biomechanical properties in the refractive surgery candidates

Subclinical keratoconus is contraindication to refractive surgery. The currently used methods of preoperative screening do not always allow differentiating between healthy eyes and those with subclinical keratoconus.

To evaluate biomechanical parameters of the cornea, waveform score (WS), and intraocular pressure (IOP) as potentially useful adjuncts to the diagnostic algorithm for precise detection of the early keratoconus stages and selection of refractive surgery candidates.

Department of Ophthalmology and prospective cross-sectional study.

Patients enrolled in the study were diagnosed with refractive disorders. We assessed parameters of corneal biomechanics such as corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldman-correlated IOP (IOPg), corneal compensated IOP, WS, and keratoconus match index (KMI). They were classified into one of three groups based on the predefined KMI range: Group 1 (from 0.352 to 0.757) - 45 eyes, Group 2 (from -0.08 to 0.313) - 52 eyes, and Group 0 - control group (from 0.761 to 1.642) - 80 eyes.

In both study groups, IOPg, CRF, and CH were decreased when compared to control (P < 0.0001). In control group, there was positive correlation between CH and KMI (P < 0.05), with no correlations in any of the two study groups. CRF correlated positively with KMI in control (P < 0.0001) and in Group 2 (P < 0.05).

CH and CRF, together with WS and IOPg, consist a clinically useful adjunct to detect subclinical keratoconus in patients referred for refractive surgery when based on KMI staging.