A study on comparison of central corneal thickness in normals, primary open angle glaucoma, and ocular hypertensives

AIM: To compare the central corneal thickness (CCT) and determine the range and distribution in controls, primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and ocular hypertensives. Also to predict any differences in central corneal thickness in relation to age and sex variation. METHODS : One hundred and fifty patients (50 controls, 50 POAG patients, 50 ocular hypertensives) aged 40 years or more were enrolled in our study and all subjects underwent a complete ophthalmic examination that included applanation tonometry and CCT measurements with an ultrasonic pachymeter. RESULTS : Mean central corneal thickness in 50 control subjects was 533μm (SD 29μm) , 50 POAG patients was 536μm (SD 29μm) , 50 ocular hypertensives was 561μm (SD 28μm ).There were no differences between sexes in our study in POAG and ocular hypertension ,though CCT was higher in females in control group. CONCLUSION : Mean central corneal thickness was similar to that found in clinical studies, and was significantly higher in patients with ocular hypertension. A negative association with age and a positive association with intraocular pressure were seen. CCT can be a confounding factor in the measurement of intraocular pressure