Central corneal thickness and its determinants in a geriatric population: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Corneal Imaging

Background:

• Central corneal thickness (CCT) is a crucial parameter in ophthalmology.
• Understanding CCT distribution in specific populations is vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
• Geriatric populations may exhibit unique ocular biometric characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the distribution of central corneal thickness (CCT) in an Iranian geriatric population.
• To identify the key determinants of CCT in this demographic group.

Main Methods:

• A population-based study in Tehran, Iran, involving 3310 participants aged ≥60 years.
• Comprehensive optometric and ocular health examinations were conducted.
• Corneal imaging was performed using Pentacam HR for precise CCT measurements.

Main Results:

• The mean CCT was 528 µm, with paracentral variations.
• CCT showed significant inverse relationships with keratometry readings.
• CCT had significant direct relationships with intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal eccentricity (ECC), and corneal volume (CV).
• Diabetic patients exhibited significantly higher CCT.

Conclusions:

• CCT values in Iranian geriatrics were lower than in most previous studies.
• CCT is primarily influenced by IOP and corneal parameters (curvature, shape factor, volume).
• Demographic factors, refractive error, and ocular biometric components did not significantly affect CCT.