Corneal sensitivity and topogometry in keratoconus

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal disease
• Vision science

Background:

• Keratoconus is a progressive thinning and ectasia of the cornea.
• Corneal topography and sensitivity are crucial for understanding keratoconus progression and management.
• Previous studies have indicated potential alterations in corneal sensitivity in keratoconus patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between paracentral corneal topography and corneal sensitivity in keratoconus.
• To compare corneal sensitivity between keratoconus patients and a control group.
• To identify specific corneal zones with altered sensitivity in keratoconus.

Main Methods:

• Corneal topography was assessed using a topogometer in 90 keratoconic eyes.
• Corneal sensitivity was measured across five sectors in both keratoconus patients and a control group.
• The location of corneal steepening was analyzed in relation to sensitivity measurements.

Main Results:

• Keratoconus patients exhibited significantly lower corneal sensitivity across all sectors compared to controls.
• The inferotemporal zone was the most common site of marked corneal steepening (59%).
• Hypoesthesia (reduced sensitivity) was most pronounced in the inferior cornea, coinciding with the area of greatest corneal protrusion. Corneal sensitivity was diminished in contact lens wearers and recovered within 7 days of discontinuation.

Conclusions:

• Keratoconus is associated with significant paracentral hypoesthesia, particularly in the inferior cornea.
• Corneal topography, specifically steepening and protrusion, correlates with reduced corneal sensitivity in keratoconus.
• Contact lens wear can further diminish corneal sensitivity, which is reversible upon cessation.