Correlation between visual function and refractive, topographic, pachymetric and aberrometric data in eyes with keratoconus.

AIM: To analyze the relationship between two visual functions and refractive, topographic, pachymetric and aberrometric indicators in eyes with keratoconus.

METHODS: Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and letter contrast sensitivity (CS) were correlated with refraction, corneal topography, pachymetry, and total corneal wavefront data prospectively in 71 eyes with keratoconus. The topographic indices assessed were simulated keratometry for the flattest and steepest meridians (SimK1 and SimK2), posterior steeper K (Ks), elevation value in best-fit sphere (BFS) maps, squared eccentricity (Є(2)), aspheric asymmetric index (AAI), pachymetry, thickness progression index (TPI), the amount of pachymetric decentralization (APD), and GalileiTM-keratoconus indices.

RESULTS: The mean CDVA (expressed as logMAR) were 0.25±0.21. The mean CS was 1.25±0.46. The spherical refraction correlated well with CDVA (r=-0.526, P<0.001). From topographic indices, SRI correlated with CS (r=-0.695), and IAI with CS (r=-0.672) (P<0.001 for all). Root mean square (RMS) was 4.3±1.81 µm, spherical aberration (SA) was -0.4±0.67 µm, vertical and horizontal coma were -2.1±1.47 and -0.4±0.72 µm. All wavefront data (except horizontal coma), AAI, Є(2) and maximum BFS correlated significantly with the visual function (P≤0.001 for all).

CONCLUSION: In this study, CS is more affected than CDVA as a visual function. The quantity and quality of vision is significantly correlated with well-known and new topographic indices. There is not a significant correlation between visual function and pachymetric parameters. The significantly correlated indices can be used in staging keratoconus and to follow the outcome of a treatment.