Assessment of the Corneal Biomechanical Features of Sturge–Weber Syndrome Using Dynamic Ultrahigh-speed Scheimpflug Imaging

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the corneal biomechanical characteristics of eyes with Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS) secondary glaucoma (SSG) by analyzing corneal biomechanical parameters obtained using the Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology instrument (Corvis ST). Methods: In patients with SWS, eyes affected by SSG were designated as the SSG group while the contralateral eyes were designated as the SWS contralateral group (SC group). Patients from the myopia clinic served as the control group. Dynamic corneal response parameters (DCRs) including the stress–strain index (SSI)—a critical material stiffness parameter that excludes interference from IOP and central corneal thickness (CCT)—were analyzed. Results: For CCT, no significant difference was observed between the SSG and SC groups. However, significant differences were found between the SSG and control groups and between the SC and control groups. Parameters such as HC Time, A1 Deformation Amp., A2 Deformation Amp., length of Whole Eye Movement (WEM), DA Ratio Max (2 mm), PachySlope, DA Ratio Max (1 mm), and ARTh showed significant differences between the SSG group and control group. In the SSG group, 4 of night eyes had an SSI of less than 0.85. Conclusions: Some DCRs indicated a stiffer cornea in the SSG group, possibly due to a thicker cornea in this group. On analyzing SSI, it was found that corneal material properties change, becoming less stiff in some of the patients with SSG. In conclusion, our study provides a preliminary exploration of the biomechanical properties of SWS secondary glaucoma.