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Central corneal thickness in children: Racial differences (black vs. white) and correlation with measured intraocular
Kelly W Muir1, Lois Duncan, Laura B Enyedi
1Duke University Eye Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Insights
Healthy Black children have thinner central corneal thickness (CCT) than white children. Increased CCT is positively related to intraocular pressure (IOP) in children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Corneal Physiology
Background:
- Central corneal thickness (CCT) is a key factor in intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement accuracy.
- Understanding racial variations in CCT is crucial for pediatric glaucoma screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the mean CCT between healthy Black and white children.
- To investigate the correlation between CCT and IOP in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 178 eyes from 92 children (9 months–17 years).
- Central corneal thickness (CCT) measured via ultrasonic pachymetry.
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) measured using Goldmann or Tono-pen techniques.
Main Results:
- Mean CCT was significantly lower in Black children (543±37 µm) compared to white children (562±35 µm) (P=0.02).
- A positive correlation was observed between CCT and IOP (P=0.0002).
- Every 100 µm increase in CCT corresponded to a 2.2±0.6 mm Hg rise in IOP.
Conclusions:
- Black children exhibit thinner central corneal thickness than white children.
- Elevated intraocular pressure in children is positively associated with increased central corneal thickness.
- Further research is needed for interpreting IOP in children with abnormal corneas or anterior segments.
Purpose:
To test the hypotheses that the mean central corneal thickness (CCT) of healthy black children is thinner than that of healthy white children and to confirm the relationship between increased CCT and measured intraocular pressure (IOP) in children.
Methods:
This prospective observational case series included 178 eyes of 92 children aged 9 months to 17 years without anterior segment abnormalities or a clinical diagnosis of glaucoma. CCT was measured by ultrasonic pachymetry and IOP was measured by Goldmann or Tono-pen technique.
Results:
The mean CCT for the 102 eyes of 52 white children was 562+/-35 microm versus 543+/-37 microm for the 66 eyes of 35 black children (P = 0.02). There was a positive relationship between CCT and IOP (P = 0.0002). For every 100 mum increase in CCT, the IOP increased by 2.2+/-0.6 mm Hg.
Conclusions:
The mean CCT of black children is thinner than that of white children. There is a positive relationship between increasing measured IOP and CCT among children with normal corneas and anterior segments. The interpretation of elevated IOP in eyes with abnormal anterior segment anatomy and thickened corneas awaits further study.
