Objective optical densitometry-based evaluation of longitudinal changes in the inflammatory process in the treatment of bacterial keratitis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31288/oftalmolzh202531114

Keywords:

bacterial keratitis, corneal topography, optical densitometry, cornea, recurrent herpetic keratitis

Abstract

Purpose: To objectively determine longitudinal changes in corneal optical density (COD) in patients with bacterial keratitis (BK).

Methods: Thirty patients with unilateral BK (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 44.7 ± 11.5 years) underwent examination. Fellow eyes were used as controls. Optical densitometry was performed using the corneal topography system Pentacam AXL at admission and days 7 and 14 of treatment.

Results: At presentation and days 7 and 14 of treatment, the average median (interquartile range [IQR]) COD value for the affected eyes was 92.8 (55.6-99.6), 89.7 (51.1-97.3) and 80.6 (32.0-93.1) grayscale units (GSU), respectively (p < 0.05), indicating a decrease in inflammatory infiltration, and the average mean (SD) COD value for the control eyes was 19.6 ± 3.0, 19.9 ± 2.8, and 19.7 ± 2.6 GSU, respectively, with no statistically significant difference.

Conclusion: The use of optical densitometry for monitoring corneal transparency in eyes treated for BK over a two-week period enabled objective recording of a gradual reduction in median (IQR) COD values in the affected eyes from 92.8 (55.6–99.6) to 80.6 (32.0–93.1) GSU, corresponding to an improvement in the clinical status of patients.

Author Biographies

I.S. Alifanov , Dnipro State Medical University, Dnipro, Ukraine

Alifanov I. S., Department of Ophthalmology, Dnipro State Medical University, Dnipro (Ukraine)

N.G. Klopotska , Dnipropetrovsk Regional Clinical Ophthalmological Hospital

Klopotska N. G., Department of Ophthalmology, Dnipro State Medical University, Dnipro (Ukraine)

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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

1.
Alifanov I, Klopotska N. Objective optical densitometry-based evaluation of longitudinal changes in the inflammatory process in the treatment of bacterial keratitis. J.ophthalmol. (Ukraine) [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 30 [cited 2025 Jul. 27];(3):11-4. Available from: https://ua.ozhurnal.com/index.php/files/article/view/246

Issue

Section

Clinical Ophthalmology