Consideration of corneal biomechanics in the diagnosis and management of keratoconus: is it important?. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bao, FangJun; Geraghty, Brendan; Wang, QinMei; Elsheikh, Ahmed
• Is Part Of: Eye and vision. Volume 3:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 6
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Keratoconus -- In vivo -- Corneal biomechanics -- Corneal collagen cross-linking; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; Vision -- Periodicals; Optometry -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1186/s40662-016-0048-4
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2326-0254

Abstract

Abstract Keratoconus is a bilateral, non-inflammatory, degenerative corneal disease. The occurrence and development of keratoconus is associated with corneal thinning and conical protrusion, which causes irregular astigmatism. With the disruption of the collagen organization, the cornea loses its shape and function resulting in progressive visual degradation. Currently, corneal topography is the most important tool for the diagnosis of keratoconus, which may lead to false negatives among the patient population in the subclinical phase. However, it is now hypothesised that biomechanical destabilisation of the cornea may take place ahead of the topographic evidence of keratoconus, hence possibly assisting with disease diagnosis and management. This article provides a review of the definition, diagnosis, and management strategies for keratoconus based on corneal biomechanics.