Associations Between Visual Functions and Severity Gradings, Corneal Scatter, or Higher-Order Aberrations in Fuchs...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Diseases
• Visual Optics

Background:

• Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a progressive condition affecting corneal clarity and visual function.
• Understanding the relationship between corneal changes and visual impairment is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate associations between visual function and corneal scatter, higher-order aberrations (HOAs), and disease severity in FECD patients.
• To identify specific thresholds for corneal densitometry and grading that correlate with decreased visual function.

Main Methods:

• Observational case series including 49 eyes with FECD and 10 healthy eyes.
• Visual function assessed via corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and contrast sensitivity.
• Correlations analyzed with modified Krachmer grade, central corneal thickness (CCT), AS-OCT grade, HOAs, straylight, and corneal densitometry.

Main Results:

• Significant associations found between visual function and modified Krachmer grade, CCT, AS-OCT grade, HOAs, straylight, and corneal densitometry.
• Modified Krachmer grade ≥ 3 identified as a threshold for decreased visual function.
• Corneal densitometry (posterior layer, 0-2mm) ≥ 10 GSU identified as a threshold for decreased visual function.

Conclusions:

• Higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and light scatter significantly impact visual function in FECD.
• Backward light scatter was the most influential factor.
• Modified Krachmer grade ≥ 3 and corneal densitometry ≥ 10 GSU serve as thresholds for visual disturbance in FECD.