Keratometry in paediatric eyes with cataract in Indian population

• Published in: Journal of Clinical and Scientific Research 2021-10, Vol.10 (4), p.221-226
• Main Authors: Vasavada, Abhay, Sudhalkar, Aditya, Praveen, Mamidipudi, Shah, Sajani, Vasavada, Viraj
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: axial length; keratometry; paediatric cataract
• ISSN: 2277-5706; 2277-8357
• DOI: 10.4103/jcsr.jcsr_23_21

Background: To compare the keratometric data of unilateral cataractous paediatric eyes with their corresponding non-cataractous fellow eyes. Methods: In this clinic-based observational study eyes of 354 consecutive children who presented with unilateral or bilateral cataract were analysed. Other data collected included age at the time of surgery, gender, keratometry, axial length (AL) and laterality of cataract. Keratometric values were obtained under general anaesthesia using a handheld Nidek Auto Keratometer. AL was measured with an ultrasound A-scan using either the immersion or the contact technique (Ocuscan, Alcon). Results: The average K value in the cataractous eyes was 44.97 ± 2.53 D (range: 37.38-55.13 D). The K values in different age groups were significantly different (P < 0.001). Irrespective of age, there was a significant difference between the K values of unilateral (n = 34 eyes: K = 44.16 ± 2.02) and bilateral cataracts (n = 320 eyes: K = 45.07 ± 2.56) (P < 0.05). In the age groups of 6-18 and 18-60 months, there was significant difference in K values of males and females (P < 0.02, P < 0.008). There was no significant difference in K values of unilateral cataractous eyes and their fellow eyes (P = 0.096). Age and AL demonstrated a significant linear relationship with K values: K =46.29− (0.6 1 log of age in months) (R2 = 0.09, P < 0.001) and K = 53.78− (0.451 AL) (R2 = 0.17, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The keratometric values of young children were steeper than those of older children. There was no significant difference in K values of the unilateral cataractous eyes as compared to the fellow eyes.