Optical densitometric measurements of the cornea and lens in children with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis

Abstract

Background: Our aim was to investigate the impact of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis on corneal and lenticular optical densitometry, pachymetry and anterior chamber depth in children. Methods: Fifty-four patients who had allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (study group) and 54 age-matched healthy children (control group) were recruited in this cross-sectional and comparative study. Corneal and lenticular optical densitometry, pachymetry, corneal volume and anterior chamber depth measurements were taken with the Scheimpflug imaging system. Results: The lens density and anterior chamber depth were similar between the groups (p > 0.05), while corneal density and thickness were significantly higher in the study group (p < 0.05). Although the corneal volume was higher in children with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). Conclusions: The cornea is affected in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in respect to optical density and thickness, while the anterior chamber and lens are not influenced. © 2016 Optometry Australia.