Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate whether screening for central corneal thickness (CCT), in addition to screening for intraocular pressure (IOP), is more useful in screening the public for glaucomatous optic neuropathy than measuring IOP alone. Methods: We participated in an urban community health fair and screened participants (n=80) for CCT, IOP, and cup-to-disc ratio (C/D). CCT was measured by means of ultrasound pachymetry. IOP was measured by means of Perkins tonometry. C/D was assessed by direct ophthalmoscopy. Results: The average CCT was 552 microns among African Americans, and 569 microns among Caucasians. The average IOP was 18.4 mm Hg among African Americans, and 16.4 mm Hg among Caucasians. The average C/D among African Americans 0.35, and among Caucasians was 0.39. The average CCT among men was 560 microns, and among women was 554 microns. The average IOP among men was 19.4 mm Hg, and among women was 17.8 mm Hg. The average C/D among men was 0.48, and among women was 0.33. Of those eyes with a CCT less than 540 microns, 16% (5 of 32) had glaucomatous appearing nerves, with an average IOP of 20.2 mm Hg. Of those eyes with an IOP > 20 mm Hg, 40% (6 of 15) had a CCT > 575 microns, and did not have glaucomatous appearing nerves. 20% (3 of 15) of eyes with an IOP > 20 had glaucomatous appearing nerves, with an average CCT of 541 microns. Conclusion: The average CCT was thinner in African Americans, as compared to Caucasians. The average IOP was higher among African Americans, as compared to Caucasians. The average C/D was comparable between African Americans and Caucasians. Average CCT, IOP and C/D were all higher in men than in women. Lower CCT appeared to have a higher association with glaucoma. Thicker CCT was associated with a higher IOP and no glaucoma. In addition to using IOP in screening for glaucoma, measuring CCT appears to yield a higher sensitivity for detecting glaucoma in the community.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: ris • intraocular pressure