Conjunctivitis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Conjunctivitis, including details on pink eye, symptoms, causes, treatment, medication.

Slit-scanning topography in vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

Barreto J, Netto MV, Santo RM, José NK, Bechara SJ

Refractive Surgery Service, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. jackbj@terra.com.br

PURPOSE: To determine slit-scanning topographic (SST) pattern of eyes with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and to detect the incidence of keratoconus in this population when compared with a healthy control group. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 104 patients, 50 eyes with VKC and 54 normal eyes, were included in this study. A comparison was performed between the two groups on the basis of SST data. Distribution curves were established for anterior and posterior elevation peaks, and for the pachymetric index. RESULTS: Anterior and posterior elevation peaks, elevation color patterns, central curvature, thinnest pachymetry, and pachymetric index differed significantly between VKC and control group (P < .05). Distribution curves have also shown abnormal patterns in VKC. Significant correlations were found between elevation peaks and pachymetric index (P < .001), and exponential curves were plotted. A higher frequency of keratoconus was found in the VKC group (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with VKC have more abnormal corneal SST patterns than controls. SST abnormal findings may alert us for the risk of keratoconus in this population.

Published 29 January 2007 in Am J Ophthalmol, 143(2): 250-254.
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