Increased central corneal thickness in patients with Turner syndrome

To evaluate central corneal thickness (CCT) values in patients with Turner syndrome (TS) and compare these values with healthy subjects.

A total of 31 subjects with TS and 67 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects made up the study and control group, respectively. The CCT values were measured by an ultrasound pachymeter in this cross-sectional prospective study. The ocular findings were recorded. We also evaluated to effect of karyotype analysis, recombinant growth hormone therapy (GHT), and mean duration of treatment on the CCT parameter in patients with TS.

The mean CCT values were 582.0 ± 40.8 µm (490-648) in the TS and 549.1 ± 34.6 µm (494-601) in the healthy group. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) by Goldmann applanation tonometry was 16.3 ± 3.1 mm Hg (9-22) in the TS and 15.2 ± 2.5 mm Hg (10-21) in the healthy group. The mean CCT value was significantly higher in the TS group (p<0.05) but there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups for IOP (p>0.05). There was also no significant difference for CCT regarding the karyotype, GHT use, and mean duration of treatment in patients with TS (p>0.05).

Central corneal thickness values should be considered during measurement of IOP in individuals with TS as these values may be higher than in healthy subjects.