The use of the Reichert ocular response analyser to establish the relationship between ocular hysteresis, corneal resistance factor and central corneal thickness in normal eyes.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to measure ocular hysteresis and corneal resistance factor (CRF), novel methods of analysing ocular rigidity/elasticity and to determine the relationship between central corneal thickness (CCT), hysteresis and CRF in normal subjects.


METHODS
Prospective, cross-sectional, clinical trial.


METHODS
The study included 207 normal eyes.


METHODS
Hysteresis and CRF were measured by the ocular response analyser. The CCT was measured using a hand held ultrasonic pachymeter.


METHODS
Ocular hysteresis and CRF in normal patients and their relationship with CCT.


RESULTS
The mean hysteresis was 10.7+/-2.0 mmHg standard deviation (S.D.) (range 6.1-17.6 mmHg); the mean CRF was 10.3+/-2.0 (range 5.7-17.1 mmHg). The mean CCT was 545.0+/-36.4 microm (471-650 microm). The relationship between hysteresis and CCT; CRF and CCT; CRF and hysteresis were significant (p<0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that corneal hysteresis increased with increasing CCT, however, the correlation was moderate. It would appear that CCT, hysteresis and CRF may measure different biomechanical aspects of ocular rigidity and are likely to be useful additional measurement to CCT in the assessment of ocular rigidity when measuring intraocular pressure (IOP). This may be of particular importance when trying to correct IOP measurements for increased or decreased ocular rigidity.
Shah
Sunil
S
Heart of England Foundation Trust, Solihull, UK. sunilshah@doctors.net.uk
Laiquzzaman
Mohammed
M
Cunliffe
Ian
I
Mantry
Sanjay
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003187:Compliance; D003315:Cornea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular; D014463:Ultrasonography