Corneal clarity measurements in healthy volunteers across different age groups

Abstract

The aim of this study was to standardize and investigate the changes in corneal clarity with age. Densitometry software for the Oculus Pentacam was used to examine corneal clarity at different age groups.A total of 192 eyes from 97 healthy participants were included in this cohort comparative nonrandomized, cross-sectional study. An Oculus Pentcam was used to image the cornea of healthy participants grouped by age (between 10 and 70 years old). Data from the densitometry output have been used to determine clarity in concentric zones and different depths of the cornea.Corneal densitometry (CD) across all ages showed significant differences between groups when divided into the following layers: anterior, central, and posterior or divided into 0 to 2, 2 to 6, and 6 to 10 mm concentric zones (P < .05). The most striking decrease in clarity occurred with age in all 3 layers of the periphery (6–10 mm) (P < .05). In addition, we showed that the 10 to 19-year age group had lower clarity than the 20 to 30-age group (P < .05), and after 30 years, the cornea shows a steady progression of increased or decreased clarity.The values for CD, as well as for separate subdivisions based on layer and surface area, might provide a standard for use in further studies and clinical practice. This study established that relation between CD and age is differed when the cornea is divided into layers and zones. This study suggests that there are other factors that may play an essential role in corneal clarity as well as age.

<p>Corneal Imaging and Densitometry Measurements in Juvenile and Adult Keratoconus Patients to Evaluate Disease Progression and Treatment Effects After Corneal Cross-Linking</p>

“…Divergence between the adult and juveniles keratoconus groups could be an effect of age as reports show that CD in healthy eyes increased with age in adults. 19,20 than juvenile patients. 21 This divergence could be linked to the possible stimulation of differing activation pathways on keratocytes post-treatment 22,23 which could have differing duration between the two groups.…”

“…27 In addition, the age of the participants could have an impact in corneal clarity changes. 20,28 However, despite the common belief that CXL is a safe technique in children the positive effect of the treatment does not last as long in comparison to adults. 29 This study did not find any significant differences in the BCVA for pre and post treatment for either group.…”

Corneal clarity measurements in patients with keratoconus undergoing either penetrating or deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty

“…This study has shown that, between 12 and 18 months after surgery, the mean corneal densitometry for patients with KCN, having had either PK or DALK, was still higher compared to a normal control value within a matched-age group, as illustrated by Dhubhghaill et al 21 and Alzahrani et al 22 At all corneal regions, apart from the central area at 2–6 mm annulus, the average corneal densitometry was greater in DALK than PK. This suggests that a greater scattering of light was provided by DALK as opposed to PK.…”

Corneal imaging and densitometry measurements in keratoconus patients to monitor disease progression and treatment outcomes after contact lens or Intacs treatment

“…The results for both the Intac and CL groups showed higher corneal haze than published data for age-matched healthy controls at both pretreatment and posttreatment imaging. 28 , 33 Both treatment groups (CLs and INTACS) showed significant differences pretreatment clarity with that at 12 months post treatment, however, there was no difference between the two treatment groups. Other studies of KCN management show a difference between pre treatment and post treatment of corneal clarity, for example, collagen cross-linking where corneal clarity is increased (CXL).…”