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Comparison of Corneal Biomechanical Properties between Post-LASIK Ectasia and Primary Keratoconus
Wuxiao Zhao1,2,3, Yang Shen1,2,3, Weijun Jian1,2,3
1Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Purpose:
To compare the corneal biomechanical properties between post-LASIK ectasia and primary keratoconus.
Methods:
A total of 42 eyes of 42 patients with matching age and central corneal thickness (CCT) were divided into two groups according to diagnosis of post-LASIK ectasia (PLE group; n = 21; age range: 22-47 years) and primary keratoconus (KC group; n = 21; age range: 21-47 years). The corneal biomechanical properties were assessed using Scheimpflug-based technology (Corvis ST; Oculus Optikgeräte, Wetzlar, Germany). The paired t-test and linear regression analysis were performed.
Results:
The PLE group had significantly higher mean stiffness parameter at the first applanation (SP-A1; 76.65 ± 21.66 vs 52.72 ± 13.65, p ≤ 0.001) and mean stress-strain index (SSI) (SSI: 0.78 ± 0.16 versus 0.64 ± 0.12, p=0.001) than the KC group. SP-A1 was positively correlated with CCT in the PLE group (Pearson's r = 0.816, p ≤ 0.001), but not in the KC group (Pearson's r = -0.014, p=0.952). No statistical correlation was observed between SSI and CCT in either group (Pearson's r = 0.292, p=0.199, and Pearson's r = 0.004, p=0.985, respectively).
Conclusions:
In our case series, KC manifested more severe than PLE in biomechanical properties. Since SSI measurements were independent of corneal thickness, it can be used for corneal biomechanical assessment.
