title: Quantitative anatomical differences in central corneal thickness values determined with scanning-slit corneal topography and noncontact specular microscopy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to analyze the differences in central corneal thickness values determined with noncontact specular microscopy and scanning-slit corneal topography. The measurements were performed on the same eye.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analyzed the central corneal thickness values of 93 patients (n = 93) by means of noncontact specular microscopy (Topcon SP-2000P noncontact specular microscope, Topcon Corp., Tokyo, Japan) and scanning-slit corneal topography (Orbscan Topography System II, Orbscan Inc., Salt Lake City, UT). One experienced physician performed 3 consecutive central corneal thickness measurements with both devices.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The central corneal thickness values obtained by means of Orbscan pachymetry were 17 +/- 2.7 (range, 12-24) microm greater. A significant correlation was observed between scanning-slit corneal topography and noncontact specular microscopy (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.976; P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Researchers should know of the existence of this difference between noncontact specular microscopy and Orbscan pachymetry when interpreting central corneal thickness values.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Human Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Spain. juan.sanchis@uv.es
authors.forename: Juan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Sanchis-Gimeno
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Herrera
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lleó-Pérez
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Alonso
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Rahhal
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Martínez-Soriano
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D019781:Corneal Topography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results