RÉSUMÉ
ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the association of pre--photorefractive keratectomy Schirmer-1 test value with post--photorefractive keratectomy central corneal epithelial thickness, ocular surface disease index score, and uncorrected distance visual acuity. Methods: Patients were categorized according to preoperative Schirmer-1 value: the normal Schirmer Group (n=54; Schirmer-1 test value, >10 mm) and the low Schirmer Group (n=52; Schirmer-1 test value, between 6 and 10 mm). We analyzed ablation depth, visual acuity, result of Schirmer-1 test (with anesthesia), tear film break-up time, ocular surface disease index score, central corneal epithelial thickness, and spherical equivalent refraction. Results: We found significant differences between the groups in Schirmer-1 test value, tear film break-up time, and ocular surface disease index score, both preoperatively and postoperatively (p<0.001). The preoperative central corneal epithelial thicknesses of the two groups were similar (p>0.05). After photorefractive keratectomy, the Schirmer-1 test value and spherical equivalent refraction decreased in both groups (p<0.05), and ocular surface disease index scores and central corneal epithelial thickness values increased in the low Schirmer Group (p<0.001) but not in the normal Schirmer Group (p>0.05). The postoperative central corneal epithelial thicknesses of the low Schirmer Group were significantly higher than those of the normal Schirmer Group (p<0.001). Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity did not differ significantly between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: In patients with low Schirmer-1 test values before photorefractive keratectomy, the corneal epithelium thickened and ocular surface complaints increased during the postoperative period. However, changes in the corneal epithelium did not affect the postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity. To reduce postoperative problems on the ocular surface in these patients, we recommend that dry eye be treated before photorefractive keratectomy.
RÉSUMÉ
Abstract Background Previous studies have generally focused on dry eye test abnormalities and ocular involvements such as uveitis, and blepharitis in psoriasis. Psoriasis area severity ındex (PASI), which is used to assess psoriasis severity, is a time-consuming and complex tool. Objective To evaluate the relationship between disease severity and central corneal epithelial thickness (CCET) in psoriasis. Methods 175 eyes of 175 psoriasis patients and 57 eyes of 57 healthy individuals as a control group was included in this study. Psoriasis patients were divided into three subgroups according to PASI score as < 10 mild, 10‒20 moderate and > 20 severe. CCET was measured by spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and mean values were recorded. Mean CCET values were compared between the psoriasis groups and the control group. Additionally, the relationship between PASI score and CCET was examined. Results The mean CCET value was 58.06 ± 3.1 μm in the mild group, 60.10 ± 5.0 μm in the moderate group, 65.75 ± 6.3 μm in the severe group and 56.16 ± 3.1 μm in the control group. It was determined that the mean CCET value was significantly higher in all psoriasis groups compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The mean CCET value was significantly higher in the moderate psoriasis group than in the mild psoriasis group (p = 0.018), and in the severe psoriasis group compared to the moderate psoriasis group (p < 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between PASI score and CCET (p < 0.001, r = 0.519). Study limitations Cross-sectional design and a relatively small number of participants. Conclusions There is a strong positive correlation between psoriasis severity and CCET. Contactless measurement of CCET by SD-OCT can be an indicator of psoriasis severity.