Factors Affecting the Central Corneal Thickness in Nepalese Population

Background: Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) is an important parameter for the detection and monitoring of glaucoma. Central corneal thickness (CCT) can influence the IOP estimated with Goldmann tonometry. A thick cornea overestimates the IOP and thin underestimates it. So, decreased CCT may lead to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of glaucoma and increased CCT may lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment of glaucoma. The aim of the study is to identify the factors affecting the CCT in Nepalese population. M ethods : A hospital based cross-sectional study which enrolled 152 subjects from period of January 2009 to May 2010. All subjects underwent ophthalmological examinations. CCT was measured with ultrasonic pachymeter and intraocular pressure was measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer. Results: The mean±SD CCT of right and left eye was 538±32 and 540±30μm respectively. CCT decreased with increasing age. Age and intra ocular pressure was significantly correlated with CCT. There was no significant correlation of gender and ethnicity with CCT. Conclusion : CCT decreased with increasing age. CCT was significantly correlated with age and intra ocular pressure but not with gender and ethnicity. Keywords : Nepalese; central corneal thickness; ultrasound pachymeter DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i1.5788 ？ Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012; 1(1): 7-10.