Relationships between central corneal thickness and optic disc topography in eyes with glaucoma, suspicion of glaucoma, or ocular hypertension

Abstract

PurposeTo identify relationships between central corneal thickness (CCT) and optic disc topography, as determined by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), for patients seen in a specialist glaucoma service.Methods272 eyes of 144 patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG; n = 71), normal tension glaucoma (NTG; n = 50), ocular hypertension (OH; n = 48) and those considered to be suspicious for glaucoma (GS; n = 103) underwent ultrasonic pachymetry and optic disc topography by SLO. Correlations between CCT and SLO parameter values were identified. A Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was performed and a p value of <0.0042 was considered significant.ResultsMean CCT values were 533 μm (POAG), 530 μm (NTG), 550 μm (GS), and 565 μm (OH). As a group the GS and OH eyes had significantly thicker CCT values than eyes with POAG. In addition, the NTG eyes had significantly thinner CCT values than GS and OH eyes. Overall multiple SLO parameters correlated with CCT even after accounting for co-variance with age, refraction and inclusion of both eyes. Sub-group analysis indicated that ‘optic disc rim area’ positively correlated with CCT (r = 0.378) and ‘cup to disc area ratio’ negatively correlated with CCT (r = −0.370) in the POAG group. In the GS group the parameter ‘area below reference’ (a measure of cup volume) and ‘mean cup depth’ had negative correlations with CCT (r = −0.297 and −0.323) indicating that eyes with thinner than average corneal thickness measurements had larger and deeper cups.ConclusionThinner corneas appear to be associated with larger and deeper optic disc cups in the eyes of patients seen in a specialist glaucoma service.

A Study on the Central Corneal Thickness of Primary Angle Closure and Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma and Its Effect on Visual Field Progression

“…Second, the thin CCT is associated with altered biomechanical properties and compliance of lamina cribrosa of the optic nerve. 26 We did not find any individual patient progressed by AGIS criteria with an increased score of 4 in this study. In the AGIS, 27 glaucoma progression was defined by an increased score of 4, and most of the patients showed progression after 36 T 12 months.…”

Optic disc area and correlation with central corneal thickness, corneal hysteresis and ocular pulse amplitude in glaucoma patients and controls

“…9 Other studies have not confirmed such a relationship. [10][11][12][13] The present study examines the relationship of CCT, OPA and CH to optic disc area in glaucoma patients as well as controls.…”

The Influence of Corneal Thickness on Progression of Hypertensive Glaucoma

“…Henderson et al [15] have proved the dependence of thin cornea on the thickness of the layer of nerve fibers (GD x VCC). Gunvant et al [16] arrived at the same conclusion, too.…”