Objective Lens Densitometry Evaluation Using Scheimpflug Topography in Children After COVID-19 Infection

Purpose: To explore the effects of COVID-19 on lens structure in children using Pentacam HR Scheimpflug corneal topography and lens densitometry (LD). Methods: This prospective case-control study involved patients aged 7 to 18 who were scheduled for ophthalmologic examination. Pentacam densitometry zones (PDZ 1, 2, and 3) were assessed in children who had recovered from COVID-19 in the past 6 months and had no systemic diseases, with comparisons made to controls. Results: A total of 114 eyes from 57 patients were evaluated, including 29 (50.9%) children in the patient group and 28 (49.1%) in the control group. PDZ 1 values for ages 7-10, all PDZ values for ages 11-14, and PDZ 3 values for ages 15-18 were significantly higher after COVID-19 compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between PDZ 1-3 values and time since recovery from COVID-19 in patients aged 11-14 (r = 0.639, 0.628, and 0.590, respectively; P = 0.014, 0.016, and 0.027). Conclusions: Vision quality is affected not only by visual acuity but also by factors such as contrast sensitivity, higher-order optical irregularities, and the clarity of the visual axis. This study reveals significant differences in lens density, particularly in the 11-14 age group, which may suggest the potential impact of COVID-19 on children's visual quality, indicating a need for further investigation.