Corneal densitometry after allogeneic small-incision intrastromal lenticule implantation for hyperopia correction

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To evaluate corneal densitometry after allogeneic corneal small-incision intrastromal lenticule implantation (SILI) for hyperopia. Methods A retrospective study. Thirty-one hyperopic eyes of 24 patients who underwent SILI were enrolled in this study. Examinations took place preoperatively and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Corneal densitometry (CD) from different concentric radial zones (0–2, 2–6, and 6–10 mm annulus) and layers (anterior, central, and posterior) were obtained using Scheimpflug imaging. The association between CD changes and the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), spherical equivalent (SE), central corneal thickness (CCT) and K value were examined. Results No serious intraoperative complications occurred during SILI. The mean total CD increased postoperatively compared to preoperatively (P 0.05). At 6 months postoperatively, the CD values showed an increase of 2.71 ± 2.52, 2.23 ± 2.25, and 1.87 ± 2.46 at the 0–2, 2–6, and 6–10 mm annuli, respectively (all at P 0.05). No correlation was found between the CD and relevant parameters(all at P > 0.05). Conclusions SILI resulted in an increase in CD within the surgically altered area, however such change has no significant correlation with visual outcomes.

Keywords

• Cornea
• Densitometry
• Hyperopia
• Lenticule implantation
• Scheimpflug