Slit-scanning Topography in Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

Purpose: To determine slit-scanning topographic (SST) pattern of eyes with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and to detect the incidence of keratoconus in this population when compared with a healthy control group.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: A total of 104 patients, 50 eyes with VKC and 54 normal eyes, were included in this study. A comparison was performed between the two groups on the basis of SST data. Distribution curves were established for anterior and posterior elevation peaks, and for the pachymetric index.

Results: Anterior and posterior elevation peaks, elevation color patterns, central curvature, thinnest pachymetry, and pachymetric index differed significantly between VKC and control group (P < .05). Distribution curves have also shown abnormal patterns in VKC. Significant correlations were found between elevation peaks and pachymetric index (P < .001), and exponential curves were plotted. A higher frequency of keratoconus was found in the VKC group (P < .01).

Conclusions: Patients with VKC have more abnormal corneal SST patterns than controls. SST abnormal findings may alert us for the risk of keratoconus in this population.