Corneal topography in patients with congenital ptosis.

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of congenital ptosis on corneal shape, and to assess the role of these topographic changes in the development of amblyopia.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients with congenital ptosis were examined and a corneal topographic examination performed in both the ptotic and normal eyes. The qualitative corneal classification was done according to the colour-coded topographic maps. The surface regularity index (SRI) and the surface asymmetry index (SAI) were used as quantitative descriptors of the study.

RESULTS

Ptotic eyes had an increased incidence of astigmatism, bow tie pattern on corneal topography, corneal asymmetry (SAI, p < 0.05) and corneal irregularity (SRI, p < 0.05). Lack of mirror-image symmetry with the fellow eye was higher in amblyopic eyes.

CONCLUSION

Eyes with congenital ptosis have an increased incidence of astigmatism and a bow tie pattern on corneal topography. These features are associated with the presence of amblyopia.