Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Three Different Protocols of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking in Keratoconus: Conventional, Accelerated and Iontophoresis
Published on: November 12, 2015
Relationship Among Corneal Stiffness, Thickness, and Biomechanical Parameters Measured by Corvis ST, Pentacam and ORA
Yu Zhao1,2, Yang Shen1,2, Zhipeng Yan3
1Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye and ENT Hospital, Myopia Key Laboratory of the Health Ministry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Purpose:
To assess the relationship among corneal stiffness, thickness, and biomechanical parameters in keratoconus.
Setting:
The EENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Design:
Comparative study.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional prospective study, 75 keratoconic eyes of 44 patients were recruited. Eyes were divided three groups according to the steepest K-readings (Kmax): mild (31 eyes; 42.1-54.5D); moderate (27 eyes, 55.0-61.6D); and severe (17 eyes, 65.2-94.5D). Thirty-one healthy subjects were recruited as the control group. All patients underwent Corvis ST, Pentacam and ORA examinations at the same time. Stiffness parameter A1 (SP-A1) and other dynamic parameters were assessed using the Corvis ST. Kmax and thinnest corneal thickness (TCT) was obtained using the Pentacam. Corneal resistance factor (CRF) and corneal hysteresis (CH) were measured using the ORA. Analysis of correlation was applied to investigate the association between variables.
Results:
There was a decrease in SP-A1 in different stages of keratoconus compared with controls (P ≤ 0.001): with increasing severity, the value of SP-A1 became smaller (P < 0.05). A statistically significant linear relationship was noted between SP-A1 and TCT in each subgroup of keratoconus (P ≤ 0.001). In all three groups, SP-A1 was found to be positively correlated with first applanation time (P < 0.01), while negatively correlated with deformation amplitude (P < 0.05). Analysis of SP-A1 with regard to CRF and CH indicated statistically positive correlation in keratoconus (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Significant decreases in corneal stiffness were noted in kerotoconic eyes compared with normal eyes. The stiffness parameter could be a valuable clinical tool enables biomechanically track progression with keratoconus.
Synopsis:
Our study found that corneal thinning and biomechanical decreasing synchronize with one another throughout the progression of the keratoconus, and SP-A1 could be a potential biomarker evaluating disease progression.
Related Concept Videos
Relationship Formation
Ending Relationships
Relationship Growth
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Wave Parameters
Close Relationships and Culture

