The effect of corneal infiltrates on densitometry and higher-order aberrations
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Analysis of Subepithelial Infiltrates in Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis
This prospective cross-sectional study investigates the impact of subepithelial infiltrates (SEIs) associated with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) on corneal health. The research specifically focuses on evaluating corneal densitometry and total corneal higher order aberrations (HOAs). By comparing affected eyes with healthy fellow eyes, the study provides quantitative data on how these infiltrates alter ocular transparency and visual performance.
Methodology and Study Design
The clinical research involved 23 participants (a total of 46 eyes) who exhibited persistent subepithelial infiltrates in only one eye for a minimum of three months. The fellow eyes served as a healthy control group for comparative accuracy. Measurements were conducted using the Pentacam HR-Scheimpflug corneal topographer, a high-resolution device capable of detailed Zernike analysis.
Diagnostic Parameters Evaluated
- Corneal Densitometry: Measured over a 12 mm diameter of the cornea using specialized software.
- Higher Order Aberrations (HOAs): Analysis included coma (Z[1,3], Z[3,-1]), trefoil (Z[3], Z[3,-3]), and spherical aberration.
- Root Mean Square (RMS) Values: Evaluation of both HO-RMS and total RMS to determine optical quality degradation.
Key Findings: Transparency and Optical Quality
The results revealed that mean corneal densitometry values were statistically significantly higher in the eyes affected by subepithelial infiltrates compared to the healthy fellow eyes (p < 0.05). This increase in densitometry was observed across all annular concentric areas and specific corneal layers.
| Corneal Zone | Layer Depth | Statistical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 mm, 2–6 mm | Anterior & Central | p < 0.05 |
| 6–10 mm, 10–12 mm | Anterior & Central | p < 0.05 |
In addition to transparency loss, the study identified significant differences in Zernike analysis parameters. Affected eyes showed a marked increase in coma, trefoil, HO-RMS, and total RMS when compared to the control group (p < 0.05 for each metric).
Conclusion on Corneal Optical Performance
In conclusion, this study quantitatively demonstrates that persistent corneal subepithelial infiltrates resulting from epidemic keratoconjunctivitis significantly decrease corneal transparency. Furthermore, the presence of these infiltrates leads to a measurable decline in corneal optical quality, as evidenced by the elevated higher order aberrations and densitometry values in the affected eyes.
