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Relationship between corneal thickness and optic disc damage in glaucoma.
Alex W Hewitt1, Richard L Cooper
1Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart , Tasmania, Australia.
Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology
|April 6, 2005
Summary
Central corneal thickness (CCT) is linked to glaucoma severity. Thinner corneas correlate with more severe glaucoma, suggesting CCT measurement is important for assessing patients with this eye condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma Research
- Corneal Biomechanics
Background:
- Central corneal thickness (CCT) is a known predictor of glaucoma development in ocular hypertension.
- The relationship between CCT and established glaucoma severity requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if central corneal thickness (CCT) correlates with glaucoma severity.
- To assess the prognostic or pathogenic role of corneal thickness in glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- Vertical cup/disc ratio (VCDR) served as the objective measure of glaucoma severity.
- VCDR was measured using a graticule and corrected for magnification.
- Ultrasonic pachymetry determined CCT; regression analysis compared CCT with VCDR.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant negative correlation was found between CCT and glaucoma severity (VCDR).
- A 10 microm increase in CCT corresponded to a 0.009 decrease in the difference between actual and predicted normal VCDR.
- The regression model explained 4% of the variance (R2 = 0.04, P < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- A small but significant negative correlation exists between corneal thickness and glaucoma severity.
- CCT measurement is recommended for glaucoma patient assessment.
- Corneal thinning may play a role in the pathogenesis or prognosis of certain glaucoma types.