Corneal biomechanical parameters in systemic autoimmune diseases

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Rheumatology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Systemic autoimmune diseases, such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), have known associations with ocular manifestations.
• Assessing corneal biomechanical properties offers a novel approach to understanding systemic disease impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and quantify corneal biomechanical alterations in patients diagnosed with AS and RA.
• To evaluate the utility of Corneal Visualisation Scheimpflug Technology (Corvis ST) in detecting these changes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 36 AS patients, 38 RA patients, and 36 healthy controls.
• Ophthalmologic examinations including Pentacam HR and Corvis ST were performed.
• Analysis of corneal biomechanical parameters, keratometry, pachymetry, and biomechanical intraocular pressure (bIOP).

Main Results:

• No significant differences in age, gender, refraction, visual acuity, IOP, pachymetry, or keratometry were observed between groups.
• Patients with AS and RA showed significantly higher applanation velocity values (A1V, A2V), deformation amplitude (DA), and Corvis Biomechanical Index (CBI) compared to controls.
• A statistically significant lower stiffness parameter at first applanation (SPA1) was found in AS and RA patients.

Conclusions:

• Patients with AS and RA demonstrate reduced corneal stiffness compared to healthy individuals.
• Corneal biomechanical parameters, specifically decreased stiffness, are altered in these systemic autoimmune diseases.
• Disease duration in AS and RA correlates with changes in corneal biomechanical properties, suggesting a progressive impact.