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Comparison of pre-operative central corneal thickness in pediatric cataract cases versus normal
Shama Khan1, Mahmood Ali1, Naima Zaheer1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi.
Insights
Paediatric cataract patients have significantly thicker central corneal thickness (CCT) than healthy children. This finding is crucial for accurate intra-ocular pressure measurements in pediatric eye care.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Paediatric Ophthalmology
- Corneal Physiology
Background:
- Congenital cataracts are a significant cause of visual impairment in children.
- Accurate measurement of central corneal thickness (CCT) is essential for interpreting intra-ocular pressure (IOP).
- Limited data exists on CCT in paediatric cataract cases compared to healthy controls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the pre-operative central corneal thickness (CCT) in paediatric cataract patients with a normal paediatric control group.
- To investigate potential differences in corneal hydration or structure in paediatric cataracts.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted involving 116 paediatric subjects (58 cases with cataracts, 58 controls).
- Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured using an ultrasonic pachymeter.
- Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 to compare mean CCT values between groups.
Main Results:
- The mean CCT in paediatric cataract patients was 566.83 ± 37.646 microns.
- The mean CCT in the normal paediatric control group was 535.81 ± 24.466 microns.
- A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was found between the CCT of cases and controls.
Conclusions:
- Eyes with congenital cataracts exhibit greater central corneal thickness compared to the normal paediatric population.
- Elevated CCT in paediatric cataract patients may influence intra-ocular pressure readings.
- Clinicians should consider these CCT differences when assessing paediatric glaucoma or other conditions requiring IOP measurement.
Objective:
To compare the pre-operative central corneal thickness (CCT) in paediatric cataract patients with reference to normal control group.
Study Design:
A case control study.
Place And Duration Of Study:
Paediatric Ophthalmology Clinic of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital (ASTEH), Rawalpindi, from November 2009 to May 2010.
Methodology:
The study included 116 subjects with equal number of cases and controls. Demographic profile of all the subjects was noted followed by history and detailed ophthalmic examination. CCT was measured using an ultrasonic pachymeter (model Pac Scan 300). The mean of three measurements from the central cornea were recorded in microns. RESULTS were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0.
Results:
Mean CCT values of the cases was 566.83 ± 37.646 microns while the control group had a mean CCT of 535.81 ± 24.466 microns. Difference between the CCT values of the two groups was highly significant (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Eyes with congenital cataracts have greater CCT values as compared to normal paediatric population. This factor must be kept in mind while interpreting intra-ocular pressure in such patients.
