The biomechanical properties of the cornea in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Pupose: The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of the cornea and intraocular pressure (IOP) between patients with systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) and age-matched controls. Patients and Methods: In this prospective study, 30 healthy individuals (control group) and 30 patients with SLE (study group) underwent Reichert ocular response analyzer (ORA) measurements. In the right eye of each participant, the corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), and Goldman-related IOP (IOPg) were recorded using the ORA. Results: Mean CH, CRF, IOPg were significantly different between groups. Mean CH was 10.2 +/- 0.6mmHg in the study group and 11.3 +/- 1.3 in the control group (P = 0.02); mean CRF was 9.7 +/- 1.1mmHg and 11.9 +/- 1.5mmHg, respectively (P = 0.001). Mean IOPg was 13.9 +/- 2.9mmHg in the study group and 16.9 +/- 2.6mmHg in the control group (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The biomechanical properties of the cornea are altered in patients with SLE compared with normal controls. These findings should be taken into account when measuring IOP values in patients with SLE as IOP readings may be underestimated in SLE eyes. Eye (2011) 25, 1005-1009; doi:10.1038/eye.2011.99; published online 6 May 2011