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Keratoconus and tapetoretinal degeneration
M Moschos1, D Droutsas, E Panagakis
1Ophthalmology Department, University of Athens, Greece.
Cornea
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Electroretinograms (ERGs) and visual evoked responses (VERs) studies in keratoconus patients reveal coexisting tapetoretinal degeneration or macular lesions. Preoperative electrophysiologic assessment is crucial to prevent unnecessary corneal transplants.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition affecting corneal shape.
- Electrophysiologic tests like ERGs and VERs assess retinal and visual pathway function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrophysiologic findings in keratoconus patients.
- To determine the association between keratoconus and other retinal or macular pathologies.
- To evaluate the utility of electrophysiologic studies in managing keratoconus.
Main Methods:
- Recorded electroretinograms (ERGs) and visual evoked responses (VERs) in 233 keratoconus cases.
- Performed ophthalmoscopic examinations.
- Assessed electrophysiologic findings pre- and postoperatively.
Main Results:
- In 6 cases, ERGs were extinguished and VERs were pathologic.
- In 4 cases, ERGs were normal, but VERs were pathologic.
- Ophthalmoscopy revealed diffuse tapetoretinal degeneration or macular lesions in many cases.
- Electrophysiologic findings remained unchanged postoperatively.
Conclusions:
- Keratoconus frequently coexists with diffuse tapetoretinal degeneration or macular lesions.
- Preoperative electrophysiologic studies are valuable for keratoconus patients.
- These studies can help avoid unnecessary corneal transplant procedures.