title: Effect of aging on corneal biomechanical parameters using the ocular response analyzer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effect of aging on corneal biomechanical parameters in a normal population.
  
  
  METHODS
  We prospectively examined 204 normal eyes of 204 healthy Japanese volunteers (68 men, 136 women; mean age 46.7+/-19.4 years [range: 19 to 89 years]). Corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor, corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOP(cc)), and Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOP(G)) were qualitatively assessed using a Reichert Ocular Response Analyzer. Central corneal thickness was measured using an ultrasound pachymeter. This measurement was performed 3 times, and the mean value obtained was used for statistical analysis. The relationships between patient age and corneal biomechanical parameters, or age and intraocular pressure (IOP), were investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor were 10.1+/-1.5 mmHg and 10.1+/-1.6 mmHg, respectively. Mean central corneal thickness was 539.1+/-30.9 microm. A weak, but significant, negative correlation was found between age and corneal hysteresis (Pearson's correlation coefficient r=-0.17, P=.02) and corneal resistance factor (r=-0.18 P=.01). On the other hand, no significant correlation was found between age and central corneal thickness (r=-0.06, P=.41), age and IOP(cc) (r=-0.02, P=.82), or age and IOP(G) (r=-0.11, P=.11).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Corneal biomechanical parameters are significantly decreased by aging without significant changes in central corneal thickness or IOP, suggesting that age-related structural changes resulting from collagen cross-linking may lead to a reduction of corneal biomechanical variables independent of central corneal thickness or IOP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Kitasato School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan. kamiyak-tky@umin.ac.jp
authors.forename: Kazutaka
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kamiya
authors.forename: Kimiya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shimizu
authors.forename: Fumiko
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ohmoto
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D003315:Cornea / Q000502:physiology*; D004547:Elastic Tissue / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult