Diagnostic value of optical density of the cornea with keratoconus monitoring before and after crosslinking

Abstract

Objective. The study objective is to analyze selective indexes of optical density of the cornea at early stages of keratoconus before and after cornea photopolymerization. Methods. We observed 30 patients (36 eyes) with keratoconus at the I-III stage of disease. We determined the optical density of the cornea pupil zones, and studied dynamics of selective optical density before and after cross-linking according to Scheimpflug images. Results. We revealed an increase of the optical density of the cornea on the background of disease progression. After crosslinking determined a significant increase in the optical density of the cornea in a month , the stabilization of high performance - in 3 months and a slight decrease of - 6 months. Reducing the optical density of the cornea with a clinically significant increase in corneal - compensatory intraocular pressure and corneal correction coefficient of elasticity recorded 12 months. After 18 months, the optical density of the cornea remained above baseline values, morphofunctional and biomechanical indicators have stabilized. Conclusion. Indicators optical density of the cornea are informative for estimating regeneration periods and the timing of its completion, and can serve as a criterion of pathogenic disease progression.