Comparison of Corneal Biomechanical Properties between Post-LASIK Ectasia and Primary Keratoconus.

Purpose: To compare the corneal biomechanical properties between post-LASIK ectasia and primary keratoconus.

Methods: A total of 42 eyes of 42 patients with matching age and central corneal thickness (CCT) were divided into two groups according to diagnosis of post-LASIK ectasia (PLE group;  = 21; age range: 22-47 years) and primary keratoconus (KC group;  = 21; age range: 21-47 years). The corneal biomechanical properties were assessed using Scheimpflug-based technology (Corvis ST; Oculus Optikgeräte, Wetzlar, Germany). The paired -test and linear regression analysis were performed.

Results: The PLE group had significantly higher mean stiffness parameter at the first applanation (SP-A1; 76.65 ± 21.66 vs 52.72 ± 13.65, ≤ 0.001) and mean stress-strain index (SSI) (SSI: 0.78 ± 0.16 versus 0.64 ± 0.12, =0.001) than the KC group. SP-A1 was positively correlated with CCT in the PLE group (Pearson's  = 0.816, ≤ 0.001), but not in the KC group (Pearson's  = -0.014, =0.952). No statistical correlation was observed between SSI and CCT in either group (Pearson's  = 0.292, =0.199, and Pearson's  = 0.004, =0.985, respectively).

Conclusions: In our case series, KC manifested more severe than PLE in biomechanical properties. Since SSI measurements were independent of corneal thickness, it can be used for corneal biomechanical assessment.