Corneal thickness and axial length.
OBJECTIVE
A thin central cornea has been reported to be a risk factor for developing primary open-angle glaucoma among ocular hypertensive eyes. A thin scleral bed of lamina cribrosa seen in deeply excavated optic nerves in glaucomatous eyes is a quintessential finding in advanced glaucomatous eyes. Association between thin cornea and weak sclera contributing to vulnerability of lamina cribrosa has been postulated. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is an association between corneal thickness and axial length of human eyes in a clinical setting.


METHODS
This is an observational, retrospective cross-sectional study.


METHODS
The ocular parameters of 1,084 consecutive eyes with both corneal thickness and axial length measurements were analyzed and compared by age, gender, and race.


RESULTS
In the total patient study group, there was no statistically significant association between central corneal thickness and axial length. Subgroup analysis by age, gender, and race also failed to show an association.


CONCLUSIONS
Central corneal thickness and axial length are independent occurrences. Thin corneas are not associated with longer eyes.
Shimmyo
Mitsugu
M
Department of Ophthalmology, Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, New York, New York, USA. MShimmyo@aol.com
Orloff
Paul N
PN
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D002648:Child; D003315:Cornea / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005006:Ethnicity; D005123:Eye / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors