CORNEAL PARAMETERS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a decrease in corneal thickness (CT). However, there is no 
evidence in the literature on the assessment of keratometric values, CV (corneal volume), and anterior chamber parameters.  
Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess corneal parameters in rheumatoid arthritis patients.  
Methods: The study evaluated 128 rheumatoid arthritis patients, 64 of whom received biologics, 64 of whom received 
conventional medications, and 64 of whom were healthy controls. Corneal volume, corneal thickness from pupil center (CCT), 
apex (ACT), and thinnest point (TCT), as well as keratometry values (mean keratometry [Km], steep [K2], and anterior flat 
[K1]) were measured and compared between the groups.  
Results: The RA group had significantly higher Km, K1, and K2 values (p=0.02, 0.04, and 0.01, respectively). Subjects with 
RA had significantly lower mean values of CV, TCT, ACT, and CCT (p=0.01, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). 
When RA participants were split into two therapy groups and compared to controls, there were significant differences in CV, 
TCT, ACT, CCT, and K1 (p=0.03, 0.001, 0.005, and 0.03, respectively). The RA-biologic group's CV and K1 values (p=0.125 
and 0.203) were comparable to those of the controls. 
Conclusions: The current study finds that biologic medicines improve keratometric values and corneal volume in rheumatoid 
arthritis patients.