Quantitative anatomical differences in central corneal thickness values determined with scanning-slit corneal topography and noncontact specular microscopy.
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.
Sanchis-Gimeno
Juan A
JA
Department of Anatomy and Human Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Spain. juan.sanchis@uv.es
Herrera
Manuel
M
Lleó-Pérez
Antonio
A
Alonso
Luis
L
Rahhal
M S
MS
Martínez-Soriano
Francisco
F
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