No differences in central corneal thickness between open-angle and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma patients

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Corneal Physiology

Background:

• Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements using Goldmann applanation tonometry are influenced by central corneal thickness (CCT).
• Thinner corneas can lead to underestimation, while thicker corneas can lead to overestimation of true IOP.
• Existing literature presents conflicting data on CCT in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients diagnosed with exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
• To determine if differences in CCT could explain the varying progression rates observed between XFG and POAG.

Main Methods:

• Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT).
• Participants diagnosed with POAG or XFG underwent comprehensive ophthalmological examinations.
• Exclusion criteria included contact lens use and pre-existing corneal diseases.

Main Results:

• A total of 145 patients were included in the study.
• The mean CCT was comparable between the POAG group (535±30.4 µm) and the XFG group (536±33.7 µm), with no statistically significant difference (P=0.98).
• Demographic data were similar between groups, with mean deviation being the only statistically significant differing parameter (P=0.02).

Conclusions:

• Patients with exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) do not exhibit thinner central corneal thickness compared to those with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
• Central corneal thickness (CCT) is unlikely to be the sole factor explaining the differential progression rates observed between XFG and POAG.