Effect of central corneal curvature on corneal material stiffness parameter acquired by dynamic corneal responses

Abstract

The stress–strain index (SSI) is a measure of corneal material stiffness, which is obtained using the Corvis ST algorithm based on dynamic corneal response parameters. The reduced SSI corresponds to the longer axial length (AL). In a previous study, we found SSI increases as the corneal curvature flattens, whereas a flatter corneal curvature indicates a longer AL (emmetropia or myopia). Therefore, in this cross-sectional study, we aimed to address these contradictory findings. First, we characterized the features of SSI, curvature radius of the anterior corneal surface (CR), and AL and analyzed their correlation with advanced myopia. Next, we compared the relationship between AL and SSI after adjusting for the effect of CR. We found a significant positive correlation between SSI and CR, which contradicts the developmental law of axial myopia. Furthermore, after accounting for the effect of CR, we observed a stronger correlation between SSI and AL than that in the unadjusted model. In conclusion, CR is an independent influencing factor for SSI in addition to AL, which masked the decrease in SSI caused by prolonged AL in axial myopia.