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Assessment of Corneal and Lens Density in Children With Celiac Disease
Insights
Pediatric celiac disease (CD) did not alter mean corneal and lens density. However, increased maximum lens density in CD patients and higher peripheral corneal density in females suggest potential early ocular changes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine.
- Ocular manifestations of CD are not well-established, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Early detection of ocular changes in CD may allow for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate early alterations in corneal and lens density in children with celiac disease.
- To compare ocular density metrics between pediatric patients with CD and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- An observational, prospective study included 101 pediatric patients.
- Patients were categorized into a celiac disease group and a healthy control group.
- Corneal and lens density were measured using Pentacam HR imaging.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in mean corneal and lens density were observed between groups.
- Maximum lens density was significantly higher in the celiac disease group.
- Peripheral corneal density was higher in female patients with celiac disease compared to males.
Conclusions:
- Mean corneal and lens density are not affected by celiac disease in children.
- Elevated maximum lens density and peripheral corneal density in females may signal early ocular involvement in pediatric celiac disease.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.
Purpose:
To assess the early changes of corneal and lens density in a pediatric population with celiac disease.
Methods:
One hundred one patients were included in this observational and prospective study. Patients with celiac disease formed the celiac disease group. Healthy individuals with no medical history formed the control group. Corneal and lens density were assessed with Pentacam HR (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany).
Results:
The mean lens and corneal density outcomes in all zones did not differ between groups (P > .05 for each). Maximum lens density outcome was significantly higher in the celiac disease group than in the control group (P = .028). The mean corneal density at the peripheral cornea was significantly higher in females than males in the celiac disease group (P < .05 for each). Compliance with a gluten-free diet, body mass index, and histological classification of celiac disease had no significant effect on lens and corneal density in patients with celiac disease (P > .05 for each).
Conclusions:
Celiac disease did not affect the mean lens and corneal density in this pediatric population, but higher maximum lens density in patients with celiac disease and higher peripheral corneal density in female patients with celiac disease may indicate early stages of ocular involvement of celiac disease. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2019;56(6):402-406.].
