Quantitative analysis of corneal microstructure in keratoconus utilising in vivo confocal microscopy.

Weed, K. H.; MacEwen, C. J.; Cox, A.; McGhee, C. N. J.

PurposeTo establish and quantify the in vivoconfocal microscopic features of moderate to advanced keratoconus.MethodsNineteen keratoconus subjects were catergorised using Orbscan-derived corneal apex power and pachymetry as exhibiting moderate (n=7) and advanced (n=12) keratoconus. Control subjects included 23 noncontact lens wearers (Group A) and 15 contact lens wearers (Group B). All subjects underwent Confoscan slit scanning in vivoconfocal microscopy.ResultsCompared with Group A (4912±434 cells/mm2), basal epithelial density was significantly lower in both moderate (4592±414 cells/mm2, P2, P=0.01). In comparison to Group A (761±118 cells/mm2), anterior stroma keratocyte density was significantly greater in both moderate keratoconus (883±111 cells/mm2, P=0.001) and advanced keratoconus (952±122 cells/mm2, P2) posterior stroma keratocyte density was also significantly greater in advanced keratoconus (599±97 cells/mm2, P2) and demonstrated a trend (P=0.056) in the posterior stroma (470±63 cells/mm2). Keratoconic corneas (429±72 μm) were significantly thinner than control Groups A (508±77 mm) and B (495±80 μm). The presence of keratoconus did not affect the endothelial cell density (P=0.54).ConclusionIn vivoconfocal microscopy can provide insight into the microstructural changes that occur in keratoconus.Eye (2007) 21, 614–623. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702286; published online 24 February 2006

CORNEA diseases; KERATOCONUS; CORNEAL topography; OPHTHALMOLOGICAL therapeutics; CONFOCAL microscopy; ORTHOKERATOLOGY

Eye (0950-222X), 2007, Vol 21, Issue 5, p614

0950-222X

Academic Journal

10.1038/sj.eye.6702286