Assessment of Central Corneal Thickness and Corneal Curvature in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome (PEX) is the most frequently reported cause of secondary open-angle glaucoma, accounting for approximately 25-30% of global cases. PXG is typically more aggressive than Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG), as evidenced by higher Intraocular Pressures (IOP), greater pressure fluctuations, and faster progression of visual field loss. Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) is a key parameter in ocular assessment for PEX patients. However, current literature offers conflicting findings regarding CCT in PEX patients. Aim: The present study compared CCT and corneal curvature between individuals with and without PXF to evaluate the IOP readings in PXF patients, thereby aiding in the early detection and management of glaucoma. Materials and Methods: The present hospital-based, crosssectional, study included 53 patients with unilateral or bilateral PXF (study group) and 53 age-matched control patients without corneal pathology. CCT was measured using Anterior Segment-Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT), and corneal curvature was measured using an auto refractometer. Independent sample t-tests and paired sample t-tests were used for statistical comparisons between groups. Results: The mean CCT was 506.15±36 μm in the study group and 501.4±34.74 μm in the control group (p=0.626). The mean corneal curvature (K1) in the right eye (OD) was 44.2±2.0 D in the study group and 45.11±2.03 D in the controls (p=0.024). K2 in OD was 46.1±1.3 D in the study group and 46.9±1.2 D in controls (p=0.005). In the left eye (OS), the mean K1 was 44.06±1.7 D in the study group and 45.04±1.5 D in controls (p=0.002), while the mean K2 was 46.5±1.2 D in the study group and 47.2±1.3 D in controls (p=0.009). There was no statistically significant difference in CCT between PXF and control eyes (p=0.626). However, keratometry values (K1 and K2) were significantly lower in PXF eyes compared to controls in both OD and OS. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in mean CCT between the PXF and control groups, nor between PXF eyes and fellow eyes in unilateral PXF cases. However, the mean corneal curvature was significantly lower in individuals with PXF than those without, suggesting possible implications for accurate IOP measurement and early glaucoma management.