Comparative analysis of higher-order aberration profiles in macular and granular corneal dystrophies
International Ophthalmology, cilt.46, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 46 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10792-026-04241-1
- Dergi Adı: International Ophthalmology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Macular corneal dystrophy, Granular corneal dystrophy, Higher-order aberrations, Scheimpflug-placido imaging
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Purpose: To compare corneal topographic characteristics and higher-order aberration (HOA) profiles between macular corneal dystrophy (MCD) and granular corneal dystrophy (GCD) and to identify phenotype-specific structural determinants of optical degradation. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study included 81 eyes (49 MCD, 32 GCD) evaluated using Scheimpflug–Placido-based tomography. Corneal topographic parameters and wavefront-derived aberrations were analyzed over a 6-mm optical zone. Between-group comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test with false discovery rate correction. Spearman correlation and multivariable regression analyses were used to assess structural–optical associations. Results: Patients with GCD were older than those with MCD (p=0.006). MCD eyes demonstrated significantly greater astigmatism (p=0.001), lower corneal volume and central corneal thickness (both p<0.001), and steeper anterior mean keratometry (p<0.001). Total HOA burden was comparable between groups; however, GCD showed significantly higher spherical aberration (p<0.001) and posterior RMS values (p=0.001). Anterior Kmax demonstrated the strongest correlations with total RMS (ρ=0.66), total HOA (ρ=0.75), anterior RMS (ρ=0.67), and anterior HOA (ρ=0.73) (all p<0.01). Multivariable analysis identified anterior Kmax as the strongest independent predictor of multiple aberration parameters, while posterior aberrations showed phenotype-specific associations. Conclusions: Although MCD and GCD exhibited similar overall HOA magnitude, they demonstrated distinct aberration profiles and structural–optical relationships. GCD was characterized by increased spherical and posterior aberrations, whereas MCD showed broader associations between structural abnormalities and optical degradation. Phenotype-specific HOA analysis may improve characterization of visual dysfunction and support more individualized management strategies.