Original Article July 26, 2023 July 26, 2023

Assessment of high-order aberrations in patients with early keratoconus

DOI: 10.37039/1982.8551.20230037

ABSTRACT

Objective

To identify higher order aberrometry changes in different degrees of keratoconus.

Methods

Cross-sectional, retrospective, observational study. Fifty-four patients (108 eyes) diagnosed with keratoconus by the same corneal specialist using the Belin/Ambrósio Enhanced Ectasia ABCD criteria were analyzed, using the Pentacam® HR 70900 tomograph (Oculus Wetzlar, Germany). In addition, qualitative and quantitative analysis of higher order aberrations in these patients was performed using the OPD-Scan III-NIDEK.

Results

Through the evaluation of both eyes of the patients according to the criteria of Benin Ambrósio, the presence of KCN was verified in 34 patients. Furthermore, through statistical analysis, a direct relationship was found between posterior asphericity and the development of KCN; p<0.001 (reference: p<0.05). Through the analysis of the OPD scan, the main higher order aberrations found in patients with KCN were Coma, Trefoil and Spherical Aberration (AE).

Conclusion

The posterior curvature radius is the first variable to change with the development of the KCN, which is noticeable in the analysis of posterior asphericity in Pentacam. In addition, alterations in pachymetry and posterior asphericity directly influence the development of higher order aberrations in patients with KCN.