[Correlation between intraocular pressure, paquimetry and keratometry in a normal population]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Corneal Physiology

Background:

• Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a key factor in glaucoma diagnosis.
• Corneal properties, including thickness and curvature, can influence IOP measurements.
• Understanding these relationships is crucial for accurate ophthalmic assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the distribution of intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal thickness, and corneal curvature in a healthy population.
• To investigate the interrelations between IOP, corneal thickness, and corneal curvature.
• To determine the influence of age and refractive error on IOP and corneal thickness (pachymetry).

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 273 subjects (545 eyes) with no ocular pathology was recruited.
• Refractive error, corneal curvature, corneal thickness, and IOP were measured.
• IOP was assessed using both non-contact tonometry (NCT) and Goldmann tonometry (GT).

Main Results:

• Average corneal thickness was 544.3 mm (females) and 543.1 mm (males).
• A statistically significant, mild positive correlation was observed between corneal thickness and IOP (r=0.316 NCT, r=0.264 GT).
• Corneal thickness and mean corneal curvature were significant predictors of IOP in regression analysis (R=0.341).

Conclusions:

• Mean corneal thickness aligns with previous studies in Latin populations.
• A statistically significant decrease in corneal thickness was noted in individuals over 54 years old.
• Linear regression confirmed the relationship between corneal thickness, curvature, and IOP.