Investigation of corneal topography and densitometry characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome patients and A comparison with healthy individuals

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynaecological endocrinopathy affecting young age group. It is likely to affect the cornea due to its multisystemic course with the features of inflammation/hyperandrogenism in its etiopathogenesis. Our aim is to evaluate corneal topography and densitometry features in patients with PCOS and compare them with healthy individuals. Fifty-three eyes of 53 female patients diagnosed with PCOS and 53 eyes of 53 age-matched female volunteers were included in the study. In addition to the detailed ophthalmological and gynecological examination, anterior segment analysis was performed using Pentacam. As a result of our study; although Kmax-front, Kmean-front, ISV, IVA, IHA, BAD_D and PI-Avg values were slightly higher in PCOS group and slight thinning was observed in the thinnest location, no statistically significant difference was found between groups. Moreover, correlation analysis between PCOS clinical parameters and keratometric/topometric data showed that only Kmean-back value has a significant positive correlation with total testosterone level. Additionally, all the aberrometric means in PCOS group were found to be normal and no pathological results were observed in the correlation analysis. When Pentacam tomography maps of all cases are examined in detail, mild ectatic changes were observed suspecting keratoconus in 5 cases in PCOS group. Furthermore, a significant increase in thickness was found in PCOS group in almost all densitometry values. Our results showed that there might be various effects on the cornea in patients with PCOS. Prospective studies with larger patient series are needed to reveal any potential relationship between PCOS and keratoconus. KEYWORDS: Cornea, Corneal densitometry, Corneal topography Hormones, Inflammation, Ovary, Polycystic ovary syndrome