Evaluation of corneal densitometry values with Pentacam in cases of ocular hypertension and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma

Abstract

BackgroundExamination of corneal densitometry measurements using the Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging system in cases of pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). MethodsThe study included 50 eyes of 29 PEXG patients, 25 eyes of 16 OHT patients, and 76 eyes of 38 healthy control subjects followed in the glaucoma clinic. Corneal densitometry values of all cases were measured using the Scheimpflug imaging system (Pentacam, Oculus, Germany). Corneal densitometry was assessed based on 4 concentric radial zones (0–2 mm, 2–6 mm, 6–10 mm, and 10–12 mm) and depths (anterior, central, posterior, and total) within the Scheimpflug imaging system. The results were statistically analyzed. ResultsCorneal densitometry values examined between the OHT and control groups were higher in OHT and statistically significant (p < 0.05). Corneal densitometry values examined between the PEXG and control groups were higher in PEXG and statistically significant (p < 0.05). In comparison between the PEXG and OHT groups, corneal densitometry values in the central 0–2 mm, 2–6 mm, and 6–10 mm; posterior 0–2 mm and 2–6 mm radial zones were higher in PEXG and statistically significant (p < 0.05). ConclusionsIt was observed that elevated intraocular pressure levels in OHT cases could lead to changes in the cornea, consequently increasing corneal densitometry values. The higher corneal densitometry values in PEXG cases compared to OHT were attributed to the accumulation of pseudoexfoliative material in the cornea. Based on our study, corneal densitometry could serve as a potential biomarker for early glaucoma detection in OHT cases and could be employed to assess corneal transparency during the follow-up of PEXG cases.