Corneal hysteresis and intraocular pressure measurement in children using the reichert ocular response analyzer

Caitriona Kirwan1, Michael O'Keefe, Bernadette Lanigan

  • 1Childrens University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

Insights

Children with congenital glaucoma have significantly lower corneal hysteresis than normal eyes. The Reichert Ocular Response Analyzer (RORA) showed better cooperation for intraocular pressure measurement but was limited by nystagmus.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology
  • Glaucoma Research

Background:

  • Corneal hysteresis is a key biomechanical property of the cornea.
  • Congenital glaucoma is a severe form of pediatric glaucoma.
  • Accurate intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement is crucial for glaucoma management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate corneal hysteresis in children with normal eyes and congenital glaucoma.
  • To assess the utility of the Reichert Ocular Response Analyzer (RORA) for IOP measurement in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in a clinical practice.
  • Corneal hysteresis and IOP (Goldmann correlated [IOPg] and corneal compensated [IOPcc]) were measured using RORA.
  • Goldmann applanation tonometry was used for comparative IOP assessment.

Main Results:

  • Mean corneal hysteresis was 12.5 mm Hg in normal eyes and 6.3 mm Hg in eyes with congenital glaucoma.
  • No significant correlation was found between age and corneal hysteresis (r = -0.08).
  • RORA demonstrated higher patient cooperation (89.8%) compared to Goldmann applanation tonometry (78.7%), but RORA was not feasible with nystagmus.

Conclusions:

  • Corneal hysteresis in children is comparable to adult values and does not correlate with age.
  • RORA offers improved cooperation for IOP measurement in children.
  • Nystagmus presents a limitation for RORA IOP measurements, whereas Goldmann applanation tonometry remains viable.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos