ABSTRACT Acute corneal hydrops is an ophthalmologic emergency resulting from rupture of Descemet’s membrane with entry of aqueous humor into the corneal stroma. Patients typically present with ocular pain, blurred vision, photophobia, and tearing. The main risk factors include trauma due to ocular itching, allergic keratoconjunctivitis, corneal ectasia, and Down syndrome. Although a rare complication, it is most commonly associated with keratoconus. Clinical treatment with eye drops should always be initiated, but in advanced cases, combined surgical intervention may be […]

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify corneal epithelial thickness profiles for early keratoconus diagnosis with the aid of Artificial Intelligence. Methods: A total of 496 eyes (306 normal and 190 with keratoconus) were analyzed using optical coherence tomography images. Results: Epithelial segmentation revealed distinct patterns between groups, highlighting early changes in epithelial thickness in keratoconus eyes. The findings reinforce the potential of artificial intelligence in disease screening, enabling a more precise and objective diagnostic approach. Conclusion: Implementing algorithms such as k-means can […]

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate public knowledge of keratoconus in Brazil and identify gaps to guide future educational strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey, based on the 2015 Global Consensus on Keratoconus, was distributed via social media and an ophthalmology bulletin. Adults (≥18 years) participated anonymously after providing informed consent. The questionnaire assessed demographics, ocular history, and keratoconus-related knowledge. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, and associations were analyzed using chi-square and nonparametric tests (5% significance level). Results: A total of 879 […]

ABSTRACT Objective: Early and accurate detection of corneal ectasias is essential for appropriate clinical management. The combined use of Pentacam and anterior segment OCT allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the morphological abnormalities associated with corneal ectasias, enabling earlier differentiation between normal and suspect cases. This study aims to investigate the relationship between OCT and Pentacam findings in the detection of corneal ectasias, analyzing their interdependence and clinical relevance. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional observational study based on data collected […]

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the mental health status of patients diagnosed with keratoconus in the city of Porto Alegre (RS). Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study with a sample of 106 patients. The study was conducted at the Ophthalmology Department of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, in the Contact Lens and Corneal Transplant sectors. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used, and the results were described categorically or continuously, in percentages and means/medians, as indicated. Results: The prevalence of depressive […]

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the tomography accuracy of Cirrus 5000 optical controls in patients with or without keratoconus for pachymetry measurements by image scanning patterns. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional and mixed study was performed in 20 eyes, where 37 parameters of each sample was analyzed and repeated 5 times. Results: Only four samples (vertex full, maximum epithelial pachymetry at 5 to 7.0mm, maximum epithelial pachymetry at 7 to 9.0mm and epithelial pachymetry difference between minimum and average) samples showed a […]

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate refractive and topographic outcomes before and at least 7 years after intrastromal ring segment implantation surgery in patients with keratoconus. Methods: Long-term retrospective longitudinal study carried out with 35 patients (62 eyes) aged 10 to 30 who underwent intrastromal ring segment implantation using a manual technique. Different arc rings were analyzed across various keratoconus types. Results: Significant improvements in topographic astigmatism (p = 0.001) and corrected distance visual acuity (p < 0.001) were observed, with no [...]

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of high-dose oral riboflavin treatment combined with sun exposure in preventing the progression of keratoconus. Methods: A retrospective, multicenter observational study involving 53 keratoconus patients (106 eyes) from three Brazilian cities. Patients were instructed to take 400 mg/day of oral riboflavin and to sunbathe for 30 minutes daily, in addition to avoiding eye rubbing. Keratometric measurements were evaluated before and after 6, 12, 24, and 36 months of treatment. Results: After 6 months, 42 […]