Abstract
Purpose
To determine the distribution of central corneal thickness (CCT) and its determinants in an Iranian geriatric population.
Methods
This population-based study was conducted in 2019 in Tehran, the capital of Iran, using stratified multistage random cluster sampling. The study population was all residents ≥60 years of age. First, preliminary optometric and ocular health examinations were performed including the measurement of uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity, objective and subjective refraction, anterior and posterior segment examination. The study participants then underwent corneal imaging using Pentacam HR.
Results
Out of 3791 invitees, 3310 participated in this study (response rate: 87.3%). The mean CCT and apex corneal thicknesses were 528 µ (95% CI: 526–529) and 529 µ (95% CI: 527–530), respectively. The highest and lowest mean corneal thickness was related to the superior (620 µ: 95% CI: 618–622) and the temporal (591 µ: 95% CI: 590–592) paracentral points, respectively. According to the multiple linear regression model, the CCT was significantly inversely related to keratometry readings (K1 and K2) and had a statistically significant direct relationship with intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal eccentricity (ECC), and corneal volume (CV) (all p values <0.05). The CCT was significantly higher in diabetic patients (p = 0.043).
Conclusion
The CCT values in the geriatric Iranian population were lower than the values reported in most previous studies. The CCT is mostly influenced by IOP and corneal parameters (curvature, shape factor, and volume) and is not affected by demographic factors, refractive error, and ocular biometric components.
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Funding
This project was supported by National Institute for Medical Research Development (NIMAD) affiliated with the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education (grant code: 963660).
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Design and conduct of the study: HH and MK; collection, management of the data: MK, AY, and PN; analysis, and interpretation of the data: MK, PN, HH, and MA; and preparation, review, and approval of the manuscript: HH, MK, AY, PN, FR, and MA.
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The tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki were considered in all stages of the study. The protocol of the study was approved by the Ethics Committee of National Institute for Medical Research Development (NIMAD) affiliated with the Iranian Ministry of Health. Informed consent was obtained from all participants (grant code: 963660).
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Hashemi, H., Nabovati, P., Aghamirsalim, M. et al. Central corneal thickness and its determinants in a geriatric population: a population-based study. Eye 37, 427–433 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-022-01946-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-022-01946-2
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