An objective evaluation of crystalline lens density using Scheimpflug lens densitometry in different uveitis entities.

Abstract

To measure lens densities with a Pentacam HR device in patients with active uveitis. Measurements were taken at the onset of the attack and after the treatment of inflammation. The study included 51 eyes with different anterior uveitis aetiologies and a control group of 48 eyes of age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. Lens densitometry measurements were taken with a Scheimpflug camera on a Pentacam HR device. All the examinations and measurements were performed on the first presentation with the onset of the attack and were repeated at 1st and 3rd months after treatment. Lens densitometry measurements were compared with those of the healthy control group and the healthy fellow eyes of the uveitic patients. No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of age and gender (p > 0.05). At 3months, Pentacam densitometry of zones 3 value was determined to be significantly high in the uveitic eyes compared to the healthy eyes (p = 0.018). The average lens density value (ALD) at 1month was statistically significantly higher than the baseline value in the uveitic eyes (p = 0.034). There was no significant change in the ALD value at 3months compared to the baseline and 1-month values (p = 0.386, p = 0.736, respectively). Even if there is no cataract development that can be clinically observed in eyes with anterior uveitis, lens density in zone 3 showed a significant increase at the end of 3months compared to the baseline value. This change can be evaluated objectively with Scheimpflug imaging.