Corneal densitometry in Chinese adults with healthy corneas: associations with sex, age, ocular metrics, and optical characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Standardized corneal densitometry (CD) values in large samples of healthy Chinese individuals are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to determine the standard CD values using a Scheimpflug camera in healthy corneas, investigate the correlations of sex, age, and ocular parameters with corneal density, and explore the impact of corneal density on the forward scattering and optical quality of the eye. METHODS: This retrospective observational study involved 990 healthy Chinese individuals, including 494 males and 496 females (mean age: 23.88 ± 6.90 years). The CD values at various depths and radial areas of 0-12 mm were measured using a Scheimpflug camera. Densitometric measurements were expressed in standardized grayscale units (GSU). The optical scatter index (OSI), modulation transfer function cutoff values (MTFcutoff), and Strehl's ratio (SR) were also determined using an optical quality analysis system. RESULTS: The average CD within a 12 mm diameter area was 16.26 ± 1.35 GSU. The highest and lowest optical densities at different depths were observed in the anterior (21.41 ± 2.16 GSU) and posterior (12.00 ± 1.01 GSU) layers, respectively (P < 0.001). Similarly, the maximum and minimum optical densities at different radial areas were observed in the 10-12 mm (14.09 ± 0.93 GSU) and 2-6 mm (25.93 ± 4.77 GSU) circles, respectively (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the average CD within a 12 mm diameter area between males and females (P > 0.05). However, upon adjusting for age, central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal curvature, white-to-white (WTW) corneal diameter, and axial length, females exhibited a greater average CD within the 12 mm diameter and in the 6-10 mm and 10-12 mm circles than males. Age-related changes in CD were evident, except in the 2-6 mm circle. CCT, corneal curvature, WTW corneal diameter, and partial depth correlated with CD in the radial area, and CD in different areas correlated with the OSI, MTFcutoff, and SR (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the normative CD measurement data of Chinese adults with healthy corneas, emphasizing the significance of sex, age, CCT, corneal curvature, and WTW corneal diameter in CD evaluation. Notably, elevated CD can lead to increased forward scattering within the eye, thereby affecting the optical quality.

Bibliometric and visualized analysis of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens research between 2003 and 2023.

Introduction: Myopia is causing a major public health concern, with its prevalence increasing globally. This study aimed to discuss posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) research publication trends and hotspots over the past 20 years. Methods: Bibliometric analysis was performed using the Web Science Core Collection to investigate posterior-chamber pIOL research publication trends. The extracted records were analyzed, and a knowledge map was built using VOSviewer v.1.6.20. The analysis included visualizing the annual publication count, countries/regions distribution, international and institutional collaborations, author productivity, and journal contribution, in addition to identifying knowledge bases and hotspots. Burst keywords were extracted using CiteSpace v.6.1.R. Results: In total, 791 articles on posterior chamber pIOLs published between 2003 and 2023 were retrieved. China had the highest number of publications, whereas Japanese papers received the most citations. Fudan University had the highest number of publications, with articles from Kitasato University having the highest number of citations. Regarding individual research, Xingtao Zhou has published the most significant number of articles, and Shimizu Kimiya had the highest number of citations. The top productive/influential journal was 'Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery'. The top cited references primarily focused on reporting the clinical outcomes of implantable collamer lens (ICL) for individuals with moderate to high myopia. The keywords primarily formed four clusters: posterior chamber pIOL clinical outcomes for myopic astigmatism correction, posterior chamber pIOL implantation complications, ICL size selection and postoperative vault predictions, and postoperative visual quality following posterior chamber pIOL implantation. Conclusion: This study presents the first bibliometric analysis of research trends in posterior chamber pIOL over the past two decades. We investigated the current state and emerging trends of global collaboration and research focal points in this field, offering fresh insights and guidance for researchers.

Fourier analysis of corneal irregular astigmatism after small-incision lenticule extraction and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy: A comparative study.

To compare changes in the spherical component, regular astigmatism, and irregular astigmatism of the anterior surface of the cornea after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TransPRK). Fifty-six patients underwent SMILE in 56 eyes, and 68 patients underwet TransPRK in 68 eyes. The right eye was chosen to enter the group. Six months after the procedure, Scheimpflug images were acquired, and Fourier analysis of the anterior surface of patients' corneas was performed using the Pentacam built-in software. Fourier parameters encompass various measurements such as the steepest radius of the curvature and average eccentricity of the spherical components (SphRmin and SphEcc), maximum decentration (MaxDec), central and peripheral regular astigmatism (regular astigmatism at the center [AstC] and regular astigmatism at the periphery [AstP]), and irregularity (Irr). At 6 months postoperatively, SphEcc decreased significantly (P < .001), MaxDec increased significantly (P < .001), and Irr increased insignificantly (P = .254) in the SMILE group. SphEcc decreased significantly (P < .001) and MaxDec and Irr increased significantly (P < .001) in the TransPRK group. TransPRK caused greater changes in SphEcc, MaxDec, and Irr on the anterior corneal surface than SMILE (P < .05). The amount of MaxDec-induced changes in SMILE and TransPRK was significantly correlated with the amount of higher-order aberrations and spherical aberration changes (P < .05). SMILE and TransPRK increase overall irregular astigmatism on the anterior surface of the cornea, more so with TransPRK, where changes in decentration are associated with with increased higher-order aberrations.