Optimizing correction of coma aberration in keratoconus with a novel soft contact lens

The association between ocular biometric components and corneal aberrations

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Evaluating factors affecting corneal higher-order aberration component has a very important role in interpreting the characteristics of the formed image on the retina.

BACKGROUND

To determine the relationship between ocular biometric components and corneal higher-order aberrations in an elderly population.

METHODS

This report is related to a subsample of the Tehran Geriatric Eye study (TGES), a population-based cross-sectional study that was conducted on individuals aged 60 years and above in Tehran city, Iran using multistage stratified random cluster sampling. All study participants underwent ocular examinations including visual acuity measurement, refraction and slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Anterior segment imaging and corneal aberrometry were performed using Pentacam AXL.

RESULTS

In the present study, 644 eyes of 415 individuals (56.9% female) with mean age of 66.36 ± 4.70 years were evaluated. According to a multiple generalised estimating equation model, the root mean square of total higher-order aberrations was related to age (β = 0.081, p = 0.002), crystalline lens thickness (β = 0.08, p < 0.001), and corneal diameter (β = -0.04, p = 0.014). The root mean square of total coma aberration was directly related to the female sex (β = 0.02, p = 0.05), and crystalline lens thickness (β = 0.06, p < 0.001). There was a direct relationship between the root mean square of third- and fourth-order higher-order aberrations and crystalline lens thickness (p < 0.001). Spherical aberration was directly related to the male sex (β = -0.02, p = 0.004), axial length (β = 0.05, p < 0.001) and central corneal thickness (β = 0.001, p = 0.025), and was inversely related to anterior chamber depth (β = -0.07, p = 0.031) and crystalline lens thickness (β = -0.25, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Ocular biometric components are related to corneal aberrations in the elderly. These factors need to be considered in respect of medical and surgical procedures required for the elderly.

Comparison of Ocular Wavefront Aberration Measurements Obtained Using Two Hartmann-Shack Wavefront Aberrometers

OBJECTIVES

To assess agreement between measurements of ocular wavefront aberrations obtained using the Pentacam AXL Wave (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH) (Aberrometer A) and KR-1W (Topcon Corp) (Aberrometer B), both of which are based on the Hartmann-Shack principle.

METHODS

In this prospective case-control study, ocular wavefront aberrations measurements were obtained using both aberrometers in patients with keratoconus (KC) and control participants. Ocular wavefront aberrations were measured through the natural pupil without dilation using both devices in a dark room. For both aberrometers, accommodation was inhibited by automatically adding fogging. The individual Zernike coefficients from the second to fourth order were compared between the two aberrometers for a 4-mm pupil diameter.

RESULTS

Twenty-six KC and 29 control eyes were assessed. Statistically significant correlations ( P <0.05) were observed for all Zernike coefficients, except for Z 4-2 in the control group. Bland-Altman analysis indicated good agreement between aberrometers and no statistically significant differences in the control group. However, in the KC group, patterns of proportional error were observed in vertical coma Z 3-1 (r=0.338, P =0.008), trefoil Z 4-4 (r=0.701, P =0.003), secondary astigmatism Z 4-2 (r=0.348, P =0.025), and spherical aberrations Z 40 (r=0.407, P =0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

The Zernike coefficient values measured by the two aberrometers were well correlated in the control and KC groups. However, in eyes with KC, Aberrometer B tended to present greater values in several Zernike coefficients than Aberrometer A, suggesting that wavefront measurements obtained using the two aberrometers are not interchangeable in patients with KC.

Keratoconus: An updated review

Keratoconus is a bilateral and asymmetric disease which results in progressive thinning and steeping of the cornea leading to irregular astigmatism and decreased visual acuity. Traditionally, the condition has been described as a noninflammatory disease; however, more recently it has been associated with ocular inflammation. Keratoconus normally develops in the second and third decades of life and progresses until the fourth decade. The condition affects all ethnicities and both sexes. The prevalence and incidence rates of keratoconus have been estimated to be between 0.2 and 4,790 per 100,000 persons and 1.5 and 25 cases per 100,000 persons/year, respectively, with highest rates typically occurring in 20- to 30-year-olds and Middle Eastern and Asian ethnicities. Progressive stromal thinning, rupture of the anterior limiting membrane, and subsequent ectasia of the central/paracentral cornea are the most commonly observed histopathological findings. A family history of keratoconus, eye rubbing, eczema, asthma, and allergy are risk factors for developing keratoconus. Detecting keratoconus in its earliest stages remains a challenge. Corneal topography is the primary diagnostic tool for keratoconus detection. In incipient cases, however, the use of a single parameter to diagnose keratoconus is insufficient, and in addition to corneal topography, corneal pachymetry and higher order aberration data are now commonly used. Keratoconus severity and progression may be classified based on morphological features and disease evolution, ocular signs, and index-based systems. Keratoconus treatment varies depending on disease severity and progression. Mild cases are typically treated with spectacles, moderate cases with contact lenses, while severe cases that cannot be managed with scleral contact lenses may require corneal surgery. Mild to moderate cases of progressive keratoconus may also be treated surgically, most commonly with corneal cross-linking. This article provides an updated review on the definition, epidemiology, histopathology, aetiology and pathogenesis, clinical features, detection, classification, and management and treatment strategies for keratoconus.