Study highlights changes in radial peripapillary capillaries after keratoplasty in patients with keratoconus
Patients with keratoconus who undergo penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) show significant reductions in radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) density within the optic disc, according to a study that found this reduction may serve as a useful diagnostic marker for assessing keratoconus progression, particularly after surgery.
The study, which analyzed 149 KC eyes (97 post-PKP, 52 without PKP) and 144 healthy control eyes, found notable differences. Results showed that the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) was significantly thinner in patients with KC post-PKP, while central retinal thickness (CRT) was thicker in these patients. The ganglion cell complex showed no significant difference among the groups.
One key finding was a significant reduction in RPC density within the optic disc in patients with KC after PKP compared to controls. In addition, the study identified a positive correlation between RPC vessel density and RNFL thickness.
Reference
Gadamer AM, Miklaszewski P, Janiszewska-Bil D, et al. Assessment of OCT and Angio-OCT Parameters in Keratoconus Patients with and without Penetrating Keratoplasty. J Clin Med. 2024;13(17):5111. doi: 10.3390/jcm13175111. PMID: 39274324; PMCID: PMC11395951.
