Developments in diagnostic tools for corneal ectasia

Abstract

Corneal ectasia is a potentially serious complication that can occur after photorefractive keratotomy and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis in eyes with risk factors such as inferior topographical steepening, as well as in eyes without risk factors. Better identification of forme fruste keratoconus and atypical corneas and more restraint with laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis parameters will reduce this window of corneas at risk. As we develop better technology and outcome-based evaluation criteria for preoperative screening using existing technology, we may be able to reduce the incidence of ectasia through better patient selection.

Keywords::

• corneal ectasia
• corneal topography
• forme fruste keratoconus
• laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis
• LASIK
• ocular response analyzer
• Orbscan II
• Pentacam
• refractive surgery
• residual bed thickness
• risk score system

Financial & competing interests disclosure

David R Hardten or Minnesota Eye Consultants have carried out research, consulting or speaking for Abbott, Alcon, Bausch & Lomb, Oculus, Peschke, TLCVision and Zeiss-Humphrey. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.