Normative Values for Anterior Segment Parameters Associated with Glaucoma in "At-Risk" Ghanaian Clinical Population

To provide normative data on anterior segment parameters associated with glaucoma in a Ghanaian population and examine their associations with demographic and anthropometric variables.

A total of 338 eyes from 116 males and 222 females (mean age: 61.86 ± 9.54 years, range: 45-89 years) were included in this cross-sectional observational study. Ocular examinations included visual acuity using Snellen chart at 6 m, auto-refraction using Retinomax K+ Screen Hand-Held Autorefractor, Goldmann applanation tonometry, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fundus examination using 90D Volks lens and Pentacam tests using Oculus Pentacam^®. Body height was measured using a measuring tape, and body weight was measured with a weighing scale.

Mean values for corneal parameter measurements were: central corneal thickness (CCT) = 513.42 ± 34.63 µm, corneal diameter (CD) = 11.33 ± 0.44 mm, corneal volume (CV) = 58.14 ± 4.13 mm³. Mean values for anterior chamber measurements were: anterior chamber angle (ACA) width = 39.39 ± 11.68°, anterior chamber depth (ACD) = 3.43 ± 0.68mm, anterior chamber volume (ACV) = 137.82 ± 37.23 mm³. Males had significantly larger corneas and ACV (p = 0.00) than females. Age demonstrated a significant negative correlation with CCT (r = -0.691, p = 0.001) and CD (r = -0.007, p = 0.003), while a positive correlation was observed between age and ACA width (r = +0.147, p = 0.036). Regarding anthropometric variables, height correlated positively with CD (r = +0.162, p = 0.001) and ACV (r = +55.536, p = 0.041). Weight correlated positively with CCT (r = +0.360, p = 0.01) and CV (r = +0.034, p = 0.04).

Thinner CCT and marginally lower CV in Ghanaians may be associated with glaucoma risk. Larger ACA, ACV and deep ACD may contribute to the relatively lower prevalence of angle-closure glaucoma reported in Ghanaians.