Table 4:
IVCM Parameters in Individuals with Dry Eye Symptoms and No History of Refractive Surgery, Grouped by Presence of Neuropathic Features
| Mean (SD) Corneal IVCM Parameter | Neuropathic Features* (n=63) | No Neuropathic Features* (n=55) | P-Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microneuroma Frequency, % (n) | 25.4% (16) | 18.2% (10) | 0.35 |
| Nerve Fiber Density (fibers/mm2) | 18.8 (8.4) | 19.5 (9.4) | 0.63 |
| Nerve Fiber Length (mm/mm2) | 12.1 (3.6) | 12.9 (3.8) | 0.20 |
| Nerve Branch Density (branches/mm2) | 21.6 (16.7) | 25.3 (19.0) | 0.26 |
| Total Branch Density (branches/mm2) | 39.4 (26.3) | 41.3 (28.5) | 0.70 |
| Nerve Fiber Area (μm2/mm2) | 0.006 (0.002) | 0.233 (1.685) | 0.29 |
| Nerve Fiber Width (mm/mm2) | 0.021 (0.001) | 0.021 (0.002) | 0.09 |
| Nerve Fractal Dimension | 1.46 (0.04) | 1.46 (0.07) | 0.51 |
IVCM = in vivo confocal microscopy; n=number in group; SD=standard deviation
*
Neuropathic features = persistent pain after topical anesthetic (NRS pre-anesthesia >0 and NRS post-anesthesia ≥ NRS pre-anesthesia) or score ≥8 on any of the NPSI-Eye questions (burning sensation, sensitivity to wind, light, temperature), or NPSI-E Sub-Score ≥25