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Ocular surface changes and corneal sensitivity in Keratoconus
Author(s) -
CHO KJ,
MOK JW,
CHOI MY,
JOO CK
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2011.421.x
Subject(s) - keratoconus , subclinical infection , medicine , ophthalmology , cornea , conjunctiva , corneal topography , pathology
Purpose This study aims to describe ocular surface, tear function, corneal nerve and sensitivity in patients with keratoconus. Methods Thirty‐one patients diagnosed as having asymmetrical KC (31 keratoconus eyes, and 31 subclinical keratoconus eyes) and 31 normal control subjects (one eye) were studied in a prospective, cross‐sectional study. The subjects underwent routine ophthalmic examinations, corneal topography, corneal sensitivity measurements, Schirmer test, conjunctival impression cytology, and tear osmolarity. Western blot analysis and Immunofluorescent staining with monoclonal antibodies for Class III β‐tubulin in corneas of keratoconus and normal were done. Results The mean corneal sensitivity and Schirmer test values were significantly lower in eyes of keratoconus and subclinical keratoconus compared with control. Conjunctiva of keratoconus and subclinical keratoconus had significantly higher grades of squamous metaplasia and goblet cell loss compared with normal. Corneal nerves were significantly decreased in eyes of keratoconus and subclinical keratoconus compared with control. Conclusion Whatever the keratoconus‐related factors might be, we found marked changes on the ocular surface that affected not only the corneal, but also the conjunctival epithelium. The loss or decreae of trophic effects of corneal nerves due to primary or secondary events with the progression of keratoconus may plays a role in the pathogenesis of the ocular surface change in keratoconus.