Comparison of anterior corneal aberrations measured by Scheimpflug and Placido Disc System for myopes

BACKGROUND: To ascertain the agreement of corneal aberrations obtained from the Pentacam and the KR-1W in myopic populations and to investigate the influence of the level of myopia as well as the laterality on the agreement. METHODS: In this observational study, a rotating Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam AXL) and a Hartmann-Shack wavefront analyzer with Placido-disc topographer (KR-1W) were used to measure the aberrations of myopes in the anterior corneal surface by one experienced operator. All examinations were computed across a 6 mm diameter. Six subgroups were generated according to the degree of myopia (mild, moderate, and severe myopia) and the laterality of eyes (right and left eyes). RESULTS: The study included 245 eyes of 170 participants. For certain anterior corneal aberrations, statistically significant differences existed between the Pentacam and the KR-1W (all P < .05). The values of Zernike (Z)(2,0), Z(2,2), Z(3,1), and Z(4,0) varied in all levels of myopia regardless of the laterality, with the values of the Pentacam constantly larger than the KR-1W in the measurement of Z(2,0), Z(2,2), and Z(4,0). For 2nd to 6th aberrations, both instruments correlated poorly to moderately. The width of limits of agreement between the two instruments was clinically too wide (> 0.1 μm) for aberrations closely correlated with visual quality, including Z(3, ± 3), Z(3, ± 1), and Z(4,0), and almost all aberrations, indicating poor agreement. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, the Pentacam based on Scheimpflug technology and the KR-1W based on Placido Disc System are not interchangeable in measuring anterior corneal aberration for myopes regardless of myopia degree and the laterality, suggesting that a consistent instrument should be selected for surgical design as well as follow-up. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-022-02753-9.