Visual Field Loss and Corneal Parameters in Open Angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To investigate the relationship between the corneal dimensions and glaucomatous visual field loss. Methods: The central corneal thickness and corneal curvature were measured on 159 subjects with open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The presentation visual field plots from the subjects were retrospectively reviewed and staged for glaucomatous visual field loss using both Hodapp et al’s method and the Glaucoma Staging system. The subjects highest recorded intraocular pressure measured using the Goldmann applanation tonometer was also obtained retrospectively from patient records. Intraocular pressure was corrected for the errors induced due to the variation in central corneal thickness. Results: There was a statistically significant correlation between the severity of glaucomatous visual field loss and central corneal thickness, mean keratometric reading, age and intraocular pressure (R = 0.342, p < 0.005). Partial regression analysis showed that the central corneal thickness, mean keratometric reading and age were significantly related to the visual field loss but intraocular pressure was not a factor in predicting glaucomatous field loss. Conclusions: The central corneal thickness and the corneal curvature are important independent factors in prediction of glaucomatous visual field loss and should be considered in the management of subjects with ocular hypertension and open angle glaucoma.

Keywords: visual fields • cornea: clinical science • intraocular pressure