Post-PRK densitometric and tomographic Belin ABCD changes in healthy versus suspicious corneas

Ragheb, Islam A.; Sharawy, Amr I.; Eleiwa, Taher K.

doi:10.21608/bmfj.2025.367065.2339

	Post-PRK densitometric and tomographic Belin ABCD changes in healthy versus suspicious corneas
Benha Medical Journal
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 04 July 2025 PDF (1.11 MB)
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.21608/bmfj.2025.367065.2339
View on SCiNiTO
Authors
Islam A. Ragheb ¹; Amr I. Sharawy²; Taher K. Eleiwa³
¹Department of Ophthalmology Faculty of Medicine - Benha University
²Professor of Ophthalmology Faculty of Medicine - Benha University
³Lecturer of Ophthalmology Faculty of Medicine - Benha University
Abstract
Purpose: To detect corneal densitometric and tomographic Belin ABCD changes during 1-year follow-up after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).Patients and Methods: Prospective observational study carried out on PRK candidates divided into Group 1 (study group) with suspicious corneas (asymmetric bowtie, inferior steepening, central back elevation >15 µm or tongue like extension pattern, thin cornea <510 µm, or abnormal corneal thickness spatial profile curve) and Group 2 (control group) with healthy corneas. The patients were examined at 3, 6, and 12 months after PRK using Pentacam. Results: 147 eyes of 75 Egyptian candidates (12 male and 63 female). Group 1 included 73 eyes of 38 patients with average age 23.6±5.7 years versus age- and gender-matched controls (P=0.192). Compared to pre-PRK, UCVA improved significantly in both groups and remained stable till the last visit. Both groups showed significant increase in anterior radius of curvature (ARC) and posterior radius of curvature (PRC) after PRK (P<0.001) that remained stable through 3 post-operative visits. There was no significant difference in ARC and PRC between both groups respectively (P=0.494, P=0.940). Post-PRK progression in parameter C was observed in both groups (decrease in thinnest location) that remained stable till the last visit. There was no change in parameter D (best corrected distant visual acuity) in both groups (P=0.214). Corneal densitometry (CD) decreased significantly in 0-10 mm annulus of anterior layer in both groups (all P<0.001). No post-PRK ectasia was detected during the one-year follow-up.Conclusion: ABCD grading is useful for monitoring post-PRK suspicious corneas.
Keywords
Photorefractive keratectomy; ABCD system; corneal densitometry


Statistics Article View: 37 PDF Download: 22