Impact of corneal size on refractive surgery outcomes highlighted in new research

Corneal diameter significantly influences the preoperative screening process for corneal refractive surgery, according to a study. Smaller corneal diameters, in particular, have a more substantial impact on corneal morphology and biomechanics.

This retrospective analysis included 300 patients who underwent surgery divided into 2 groups based on their corneal topography measurements: those with normal corneal diameters (11.5 mm to 12.0 mm) and those with abnormal diameters (smaller than 10.0 mm or larger than 12.5 mm). Pentacam corneal topography was used to measure corneal thickness, morphologic data, and biomechanical properties.

Smaller corneal diameters were found to have a greater influence on the corneal topography BAD analysis system, impacting parameters such as BFSf, BFSb, Df, and ARTmax more significantly compared to larger or normal-sized corneas. Correlation analysis further indicated that smaller corneal diameters were negatively correlated with several biomechanical and topographic factors, while some parameters, such as ARTH, showed positive correlations with corneal diameter.

Reference
Zhang L, Liu Q, Shao H, et al. Effect of corneal diameter on preoperative screening results for corneal refractive surgery. Am J Transl Res. 2024;16(7):3072-3080. doi: 10.62347/OZEN2943. PMID: 39114735; PMCID: PMC11301516.