Morphological characterization of keratoconus-affected human corneas by SHG imaging and correlation analysis

Keratoconus is an ophthalmic disease in which the cornea acquires an abnormal conical shape that prevents the correct focusing on the retina, causing visual impairment. The late diagnosis of keratoconus is among the principal causes of corneal transplantation surgery. In this study, we characterize the morphology of keratoconic corneas by means of the correlation of SHG images, finding that keratoconus can be diagnosed by analyzing the inclination of lamellae below Bowman’s membrane. In addition, imaging performed with both sagittal and “en face” geometry demonstrated that this morphological features can be highlighted both ex vivo and in vivo.