Prediction of keratoconus progression using deep learning of anterior segment optical coherence tomography maps

BACKGROUND: To predict keratoconus progression using deep learning of the color-coded maps measured with a swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (As-OCT) device. METHODS: We enrolled 218 keratoconic eyes with and without disease progression. Using deep learning of the 6 color-coded maps (anterior elevation, anterior curvature, posterior elevation, posterior curvature, total refractive power, and pachymetry map) obtained by the As-OCT (CASIA, Tomey), we assessed the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of prediction of keratoconus progression in such eyes. RESULTS: Deep learning of the 6 color-coded maps exhibited an accuracy of 0.794 in discriminating keratoconus with and without progression. For a single map analysis, posterior elevation map (0.798) showed the highest accuracy, followed by anterior curvature map (0.775), posterior corneal curvature map (0.757), anterior elevation map (0.752), total refractive power map (0.729), and pachymetry map (0.720), in distinguishing between progressive and non-progressive keratoconus. The use of the adjusted algorithm by age subgroups improved to an accuracy of 0.849. CONCLUSIONS: Deep learning of the As-OCT color-coded maps effectively discriminates progressive keratoconus from non-progressive keratoconus with an accuracy of approximately 85% using the adjusted age algorithm, indicating that it will become an aid for predicting the progression of the disease, which is clinically beneficial for decision-making of the surgical indication of corneal cross-linking (CXL).