Correlation of central corneal thickness and Goldmann applanation tonometry among Filipinos

Abstract

Objective: To determine the distribution of central corneal thickness (CCT) among Filipinos and to correlate CCT with intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was performed among Filipino patients consulting at the General Ophthalmology Clinic of the Philippine General Hospital. They underwent a comprehensive eye examination. CCT obtained by ultrasonic pachymetry and IOP by Goldmann applanation tonometry were correlated using linear regression analysis. Factors affecting CCT measurements were analyzed by ANOVA. Results: Two hundred twenty two eyes of 112 patients were included in the study. CCT ranged from 451.0 m to 653.6 m with a mean of 531.5 m ±33.8 m. There was a significant linear correlation between CCT and IOP (r = 0.63). The IOP was noted to rise by 4.3 mm Hg/100 m CCT. Conclusion: The CCT among Filipinos is normally distributed and is comparable to the distribution obtained by metaanalysis of worldwide data. The study also found a direct correlation between CCT and IOP among Filipinos.

Keywords

• applanation tonometry
• central corneal thickness
• glaucoma
• intraocular pressure