Corneal biomechanics measured with the ocular response analyser in patients with unilateral open‐angle glaucoma

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between biomechanical properties of the cornea and intraocular pressure (IOP) and the role of biomechanical properties in eyes of patients with unilateral primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: The biomechanical properties of corneal hysteresis (CH) and the corneal resistance factor (CRF) were measured with the ocular response analyser (ORA). In an experimental setting, three human donor eyes with Schiotz‐tonometry‐controlled IOP were investigated. In addition, a series of patients with unilateral POAG were evaluated. Main outcome measures were CH, CRF, corneal‐compensated IOP (IOPcc), standard automated perimetry parameters mean defect (MD) and pattern standard deviation, central corneal thickness, Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), and cup‐to‐disc ratio. Results: A highly significant linear correlation between CH and the corneal‐compensated IOP (IOPcc, r = ?0.926; p < 0.001) was found. The correlation between IOP_CC and CRF was not significant (r = 0.335; p = 0.08). In total, 36 eyes of 18 patients with unilateral POAG were examined. Regarding uncorrected CH (mean 7.73 ± 1.46 mmHg glaucomatous eye and 9.28 ± 1.42 mmHg fellow eye), there was a highly significant difference between both eyes. This difference disappears, when CH was corrected for IOP (9.44 ± 3.78 mmHg and 9.97 ± 3.22 mmHg, respectively). Conclusions: Corneal hysteresis but not corneal resistance factor is dependent on IOP. In patients with unilateral POAG, IOP is higher in the affected eye. When CH is corrected for IOP, corneal biomechanical properties do not differ in both eyes of patients with unilateral POAG.     

Corneal hysteresis measured with the Ocular Response Analyzer® in normal and glaucomatous eyes

Purpose: To identify differences in corneal hysteresis (CH) and central corneal thickness (CCT) between healthy and glaucomatous patients. Methods: Retrospective observational study. One hundred and thirty‐three eyes of 75 healthy and 58 glaucomatous patients were included. CH was measured in each patient using Ocular Response Analyzer. CCT was determined by ultrasonic pachymetry. For each patient, one eye was randomly selected. We used a Student t‐test to search for significant differences between the different groups (p<0.05). Results: In healthy and glaucomatous eyes, mean CH values were 10.46 ± 1.6 and 8.77 ± 1.4 mm Hg, respectively. Mean CCT values were 560.2 ± 36.3 and 535.3 ± 42.7 μm, respectively. CH and CCT were significantly lower in glaucomatous eyes than in normal eyes, (p<0.05). Discussion: In our series, CH was lower in glaucomatous than in normal eyes. The relationship between glaucoma, IOP, and ocular structures may not be confined to the consideration of CCT. A low CH value could be responsible for under‐estimation of IOP. CH could also be a risk factor for glaucoma, independent of IOP. Further studies are needed to support these hypotheses. Conclusion: In our investigation, CCT and CH were significantly lower in glaucomatous eyes than in healthy eyes.     

Comparison of Goldmann applanation tonometry, rebound tonometry and dynamic contour tonometry in normal and glaucomatous eyes

AIM: To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained with the rebound tonometry (RT), dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) and Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) in normal and glaucomatous eyes and investigate the effects of central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal curvature (CC) on IOP measurements. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four eyes of 124 subjects were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Fifty-six of participants were healthy individuals and 68 of them were glaucomatous patients. IOP was measured on each subject always in the same order, ICare RT-Pascal DCT-GAT, after a minimum interval of 10min between measurements. CCT and CC were measured using a rotating Scheimpflug camera before the IOP measurements in all subjects. One way repeated measures ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis, and Bland-Altman analysis was used for the statistical assessment. RESULTS: Mean IOP for all enrolled eyes was 16.00±3.80 mm Hg for GAT, 16.99±4.91 mm Hg for RT, and 20.40±4.44 mm Hg for DCT. Mean differences between GAT and RT was -1.75±3.41 mm Hg in normal (P<0.001) and -0.37±3.00 mm Hg in glaucomatous eyes (P=0.563). Mean differences between GAT and DCT was -4.06±3.42 mm Hg in normal (P<0.001) and -4.67±3.12 mm Hg in glaucomatous eyes (P<0.001). GAT and RT were significantly positive correlated with CCT in normal (r=0.317, P=0.017 and r=0.576, P<0.001, respectively) and glaucomatous eyes (r=0.290, P=0.016 and r=0.351, P=0.003, respectively). DCT was also significantly positive correlated with CCT in normal eyes (r=0.424, P=0.001) but not in glaucomatous eyes (r=0.170, P=0.165). All tonometers were unaffected by CC. CONCLUSION: IOP measurements by RT and DCT were significantly higher than GAT. DCT has highest IOP measurements among these tonometers. RT was most influenced tonometer from CCT although all tonometers were significantly positive correlated with CCT except DCT in glaucomatous eyes. CC did not influence IOP measurements.     

Effect of central corneal thickness on intraocular pressure and comparison of Topcon CT‐80 non‐contact tonometry with Goldmann applanation tonometry

Background

To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained with the Topcon CT‐80 non‐contact tonometer (NCT) and Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), in different ranges of IOP in normal and glaucoma subjects, and to assess the influence of central corneal thickness (CCT) on the IOP measurements in Asian Indian eyes.

Methods

Four hundred and two eyes of 402 subjects (193 newly diagnosed primary open angle glaucoma [POAG] and 209 normal) were enrolled for this prospective study. For each eye, IOP was measured with GAT by a glaucoma specialist and NCT by a trained optometrist. The IOP values were compared among the tonometers in the three different IOP ranges (≤ 12 mmHg, 13–20 mmHg and ≥ 21 mmHg) using Bland–Altman graphs. Correlation between GAT and NCT was assessed by Pearson correlation co‐efficient. CCT was measured with ultrasound pachymetry and its correlation with GAT and NCT was analysed using linear regression analysis.

Results

The mean paired difference of IOP between NCT and GAT was 1.556 ± 2.69 mmHg (r = 0.26, p = 0.006) at IOP range of ≤ 12 mmHg, ?1.665 ± 2.6 mmHg (r = 0.51, p < 0.0001) in IOP range of 13–20 mmHg and ?2.202 ± 3.44 mmHg (r = 0.82, p < 0.0001) in the IOP range of ≥ 21 mmHg. Linear regression analysis showed a mean IOP variation of 0.27 mmHg per 10 μm change in CCT for NCT (p < 0.0001) and IOP change of 0.19 mmHg per 10 μm change in CCT for GAT (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

In this study of normotensive and POAG subjects, the Topcon CT‐80 NCT showed an overestimation of IOP at the lower range and underestimation of IOP in normal and higher ranges of IOP. Clinicians should keep in mind that CCT influences IOP measurement with both types of tonometer and that the IOP readings obtained with these tonometers are not interchangeable.

     

Inter-instrument agreement and influence of central corneal thickness on measurements with Goldmann, pneumotonometer and noncontact tonometer in glaucomatous eyes

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements by the Goldman applanation tonometer (GAT), non contact tonometer (NCT) and the ocular blood flow (OBF) pneumotonometer in different IOP ranges in glaucomatous eyes. The effect of central corneal thickness (CCT) on IOP measurement in chronic glaucomatous eyes using the three different tonometers was also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IOP measurements of 130 eyes of primary glaucoma patients were performed using GAT by an ophthalmologist while NCT and OBF-pneumotonometer measurements were performed by an experienced optometrist. The IOP values were compared amongst the three instruments in the three different IOP ranges (0-18 mmHg, > 18 to 25 mmHg, > 25 mmHg). CCT was also measured in all patients. RESULTS: The mean of paired difference between GAT and NCT was 0.9 +/- 3.1 mmHg while that between GAT and OBF-pneumotonometer was 0.3 +/- 3.4 mmHg. The OBF-pneumotonometer and NCT were more affected by corneal thickness (0.41 mmHg and 0.4 mmHg / 10 micro corneal thickness respectively) while GAT was the least affected by corneal thickness (0.3 mmHg / 10 micro corneal thickness) though the difference was not statistically significant ( P =0.42). CONCLUSION: With appropriate correction for corneal thickness the NCT and OBF-pneumotonometer can be used as reliably as GAT in following up glaucomatous patients.     

Ocular response analyser to assess hysteresis and corneal resistance factor in low tension, open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the hysteresis and corneal resistance factor (CRF) in normal tension glaucoma (NTG), primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT) eyes measured by the ocular response analyser (ORA). Methods: This is a prospective, cross‐sectional and comparative clinical trial. The setting was a teaching hospital in Birmingham, England. Patients: 216 eyes with POAG, 68 eyes with NTG and 199 eyes with OHT. Observational procedures: Goldmann applanation tonometry and intraocular pressure (IOP), hysteresis and CRF measured by ORA and central corneal thickness (CCT) by ultrasonic pachymetery. The main outcome measures were IOP, CCT, hysteresis and CRF. Results: The hysteresis in NTG, POAG and OHT eyes was 9.0 ± 1.9, 9.9 ± 2.1 and 10.2 ± 2.0 mmHg; CRF was 9.1 ± 2.2, 10.6 ± 2.0 and 12.0 ± 2.0 mmHg; IOP by Goldmann applanation tonometry and ORA was 14.7 ± 2.8 and 15.3 ± 4.2 mmHg, 16.7 ± 4.0 and 16.9 ± 4.6 mmHg and 20.5 ± 4.1 and 20.0 ± 4.5 mmHg; CCT was 526.5 ± 42.2, 537.0 ± 36.0 and 563.4 ± 35.9 µm, respectively. The difference for CRF, IOP and CCT for NTG, POAG and OHT eyes was statistically significant. Conclusion: Hysteresis and CRF were highest in OHT eyes. These factors may prove to be useful measurements of ocular rigidity and may help to understand role of the corneal rigidity in monitoring the progress of conditions such as NTG, POAG and OHT.     

Comparison of the corneal biomechanical properties with the Ocular Response Analyzer® (ORA) in African and Caucasian normal subjects and patients with glaucoma

Purpose: To compare corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) measured with the Ocular Response Analyzer^® tonometer (ORA) between (i) African normals and treated primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and (ii) between normals and treated POAG Caucasians. To analyse the correlation of CH and CRF with visual field (VF) defects in the two groups. Methods: This comparative study included 59 African (29 (POAG), 30 normals) and 55 Caucasians (30 POAG and 25 normals) subjects. Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and ORA measurements were performed in a randomized sequence. Visual field was tested with the Swedish interactive threshold algorithms standard strategy of the Humphrey perimeter. Hoddap classification was used to estimate the severity of VF defects. Results: Primary open‐angle glaucoma Africans were younger than POAG Caucasians (p < 0.001). Goldmann applanation tonometry and central corneal thickness (CCT) did not differ significantly between the four subgroups. African normals had lower CH than Caucasian controls (p < 0.001). CH was 9.2 ± 1.1 and 8.3 ± 1.7 mmHg respectively in POAG Caucasians and Africans (p < 0.001). African controls had higher ORA corneal‐compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) than Caucasian controls (p < 0.001). Primary open‐angle glaucoma Africans had higher IOPcc values than Caucasian POAGs (p < 0.001). CH and IOPcc were associated with race (p < 0.001) but not with CCT. Based on mean deviation values (MD), POAG Africans had more severe VF defects. CH was correlated with MD (r = 0.442; p = 0.031) and severity of VF defects only in POAG Africans (r = ?0.464; p = 0.013). Conclusions: African normal subjects and POAG patients had an altered CH, which is associated with a significant underestimation of GAT IOP. This may potentially contribute to the earlier development and greater severity of glaucoma damage in Africans compared with Caucasians at diagnosis.     

Combining corneal hysteresis with central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure for glaucoma risk assessment

Purpose

To determine whether adjusting corneal hysteresis (CH) values for central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) improves its capability to differentiate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) from ocular hypertension (OH).

Methods

This prospective, observational, cross-sectional study included 169 eyes of 169 subjects with a diagnosis of POAG (n=81) or OH (n=88). We utilized the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA), Pascal Dynamic Contour Tonometer (DCT), Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), and ORA ultrasound pachymeter to obtain CH, IOP, and CCT values. Correlational, regression, and t-test analyses were conducted before and after the sample was divided into low, intermediate, and thick CCT subgroups.

Results

In the full sample, CH and CCT were moderately correlated (r=0.44, P<0.001). Although both were related to diagnosis in univariate regression analysis, only CH was independently related to glaucoma diagnosis in multivariate analysis. After the sample was divided into CCT tertiles, CH was significantly lower in POAG vs OH eyes within all three CCT subgroups, and CH was the only multivariate variable that differentiated POAG from OH in each CCT subgroup. Moreover, the relationship between CH and diagnosis was more robust within the CCT subgroups compared with the full sample, suggesting that integrating CCT into CH interpretation is beneficial. Adjusting CH for IOP did not aid diagnostic precision in this study.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that combining CH and CCT for glaucoma risk assessment improves diagnostic capability compared to using either factor alone. Conversely, adjusting CH for IOP provided no clear clinical benefit in this study.     

Comparison of dynamic contour tonometry with Goldmann applanation tonometry in glaucoma practice

Purpose: To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) readings taken using dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) with IOP readings taken with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) in eyes with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Methods: The present study included 100 eyes in 100 patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. After pachymetry DCT and GAT were performed. Intraocular pressures as measured with DCT and GAT were compared with one another and with central corneal thickness (CCT). Results: Mean DCT IOP measurements (20.1 ± 4.3 mmHg) were significantly (p < 0.001) higher than GAT IOP values (17.9 ± 4.7 mmHg). The mean difference between DCT and GAT measurements was 2.1 mmHg (range ? 3.4 to 9.7 mmHg). The difference followed a normal distribution. Measurements made with DCT and GAT correlated significantly with one another (Spearman’s rho = 0.761, p < 0.001). Neither GAT nor DCT measurements showed a significant correlation with CCT (537 ± 39 μm, range 458–656 μm). Multivariate regression analysis has shown that the difference between DCT and GAT is influenced significantly by ocular pulse amplitude (r = ? 0.334, p = 0.001) and it is not influenced by CCT (r = ? 0.106, p = 0.292). Conclusions: In eyes with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, DCT facilitates suitable and reliable IOP measurements which are in good concordance with GAT readings. Variation in CCT cannot by itself explain the differences in measurements taken with DCT and GAT in a number of eyes.     

Lower corneal hysteresis in glaucoma patients with acquired pit of the optic nerve (APON)

Objective Acquired pit-like changes of the optic nerve head (APON) are characteristic of glaucomatous damage and may be a sign of a localized susceptibility of the optic nerve. Thus, it is possible that biomechanical properties of the ocular tissues may play a pressure-independent role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Corneal hysteresis (CH) appears to provide information of the biomechanical properties of the ocular hull tissues. The purpose of this study was to compare CH of patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) with and without APON. Methods A prospective case control study was done. POAG patients with and without APON were measured using the Ocular Response Analyzer by masked investigators. Patients in both groups were matched for sex, age, corneal thickness, and type of glaucoma according to maximal IOP (NTG or POAG). Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA. Results Corneal hysteresis of 16 glaucomatous eyes with APON and 32 controls (glaucoma without APON) was measured. The mean (±SD) CH in the APON group was 8.89 (±1.53) and 10.2 (±1.05) in the control group. The difference is statistically significant (p = 0.005). Conclusions Corneal hysteresis in POAG patients with APON was significantly lower than in patients that did not have such structural changes of the optic disc. These findings may reflect pressure-independent mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of such glaucomatous optic nerve changes.     

角膜生物参数对青光眼患者眼压测量影响的研究

目的:探讨角膜生物参数对青光眼患者眼压测量的影响。方法:对80例121眼青光眼患者进行眼反应分析仪(ocular response analyzer,ORA)与Goldmann压平眼压计(Goldmann applanation tonometer,GAT)测量,并用先进的OrbscanⅡ眼前节分析系统测量中央角膜厚度(central corneal thickness,CCT)。结果:平均矫正眼压(IOPcc)值17.41±5.62mmHg;平均GAT值15.76±6.06mmHg;IOPcc与角膜滞后性(cornealhysteresis,CH)有相关性(P=0.000;r=-0.236);IOPcc与GAT显著相关(P=0.000;r=0.857);IOPcc与CCT无相关性。结论:对已经诊断的青光眼患者,平均IOPcc值高于平均GAT值;随着CH的降低,IOPcc值有升高的趋势;且IOPcc值不受CCT值的影响。     

Effect of corneal thickness on intraocular pressure measurements with the Pascal dynamic contour,Canon TX‐10 non‐contact and Goldmann applanation tonometers in healthy subjects

Purpose: To investigate the effects of central corneal thickness (CCT) on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements of the Pascal dynamic contour tonometry (DCT), Canon TX‐10 non‐contact tonometry (NCT) and Goldmann applanation tonometry measurements (GAT) in healthy subjects. Methods: IOP values of 135 eyes with normal corneas of 135 healthy volunteers were determined by DCT, NCT and by GAT. The CCT was measured using an ultrasonic pachymeter after all IOP determinations had been made. Results: When DCT measurements were compared (IOP = 17.52 ± 2.0 mmHg) with NCT measurements (IOP = 16.54 ± 2.77 mmHg) and GAT measurements (IOP = 15.07 ± 2.35 mmHg), DCT measurements were significantly higher than NCT and GAT (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between CCT with both NCT (r = 0.260, p = 0.003) and GAT measurements (r = 0.257, p = 0.005). There was a weak correlation that was not statistically significant between CCT and DCT (r = 0.160, p = 0.079). Conclusion: The IOP measurements with DCT seem to be less dependent on CCT. NCT appears to be more affected by variation in CCT than GAT.     

Response of corneal hysteresis and central corneal thickness following clear corneal cataract surgery

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of routine phacoemulsification in corneal viscoelastic properties determined by corneal hysteresis (CH) and central corneal thickness (CCT) and to explore the impact of phaco energy on the above parameters. Methods: Forty‐one eyes of 41 patients undergoing cataract surgery were enrolled in this prospective study. CH and CCT were measured preoperatively, 1 day and 1 week postoperatively. CCT measurement was performed using a non‐contact optical pachymeter followed by ocular response analyzer (ORA) examination. Intraoperatively ultrasound time, average phaco power and effective phaco time (EPT) were recorded. Results: Mean CH was 10.05 ± 1.86 mmHg preoperatively, 8.25 ± 1.85 mmHg 1 day and 9.12 ± 1.37 mmHg 1 week postoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean CCT was 534 ± 37.33 μm preoperatively, 592.22 ± 46.34 μm 1 day and 563.21 ± 49.84 μm 1 week postoperatively (p < 0.001). CCT and CH were statistically significantly correlated preoperatively (p = 0.01, r = 0.396). This correlation was not sustained on the first postoperative day (p = 0.094, r = 0.265) and was re‐established 1 week postoperatively (p = 0.002, r = 0.568). On the first postoperative day, the CCT increase was positively correlated with EPT (p = 0.009, r = 0.404), which was not found between CH change and EPT. Conclusion: Structural corneal alterations following cataract surgery resulted in a statistical change in CH and CCT. These two parameters responded in a different manner that clearly demarcates their different nature. On the first postoperative day, CCT increase was correlated at a statistically significant level with intraoperative EPT. This correlation was not found with CH reduction. Other factors, besides cornea oedema or phacoemulsification energy, could be responsible for this CH modification.     

Corneal biomechanical properties in normal‐tension glaucoma

Purpose: To investigate the intraocular pressure (IOP) and corneal biomechanical properties of normal and normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG) eyes. Methods: This study included 83 normal and 83 NTG eyes. We measured corneal‐compensated IOP (IOPcc), Goldmann‐correlated IOP (IOPg), corneal resistance factor (CRF), corneal hysteresis (CH) and central corneal thickness (CCT) three times each for normal and NTG eyes using an Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA). Results: No significant difference in CCT was seen between normal eyes (541.4 ± 26.8 μm) and NTG eyes (535.4 ± 24.9 μm; p = 0.16). IOPcc was significantly higher in NTG eyes (16.1 ± 2.6 mmHg) than in normal eyes (15.1 ± 2.9 mmHg; p = 0.01), while IOPg was significantly lower in NTG eyes (14.1 ± 2.7 mmHg) than in normal eyes (15.1 ± 3.0 mmHg; p = 0.04). CRF and CH were significantly lower in NTG eyes (CRF, 8.9 ± 1.5 mmHg; CH, 9.2 ± 1.3 mmHg) than in normal eyes (CRF, 10.6 ± 1.4 mmHg; CH, 10.8 ± 1.3 mmHg; p < 0.0001 each). Conclusion: IOPcc was significantly higher in NTG eyes than in normal eyes. The ORA may be useful for distinguishing between the IOPcc of NTG eyes with normal IOP and that of normal eyes. In addition, the ORA enables CRF and CH to be measured in vivo, and weakness of the lamina cribrosa may be clinically inferred from the fact that CRF and CH were reduced in NTG eyes in our study. Low CRF and CH may be clues to the pathology of NTG.     

Bestimmung viskoelastischer Hornhauteigenschaften (korneale Hysterese) bei Patienten mit primärem Offenwinkelglaukom

Background

The ocular response analyzer (ORA) uses an air-pressure-triggered, dynamic, bi-directional corneal applanation method to measure biomechanical parameters of the cornea. Corneal hysteresis (CH) is defined as the difference in intraocular pressure recorded during inward and outward applanation. CH is therefore an indicator for the viscoelastic properties of the cornea.

Patients and methods

CH was recorded in non-glaucoma patients (80 eyes) as well as in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG, 82 eyes). The correlation between CH and central corneal thickness (CCT) was analyzed.

Results

Mean CH was 10.6±2.2 mmHg in the non-glaucoma group and 9.3±2.2 mmHg in patients with POAG (p<0.01). CH and CCT showed a positive correlation in non-POAG patients, however no such correlation was found in the POAG group.

Conclusion

Patients with POAG show an alteration of biomechanical corneal parameters with a significant decrease in corneal hysteresis. A positive correlation between CH and CCT, which was seen in the non-glaucoma group could not be detected in the POAG group.     

Correlations between corneal hysteresis, intraocular pressure, and corneal central pachymetry

PURPOSE: To analyze the correlation between corneal hysteresis (CH) measured with the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA, Reichert) and ultrasonic corneal central thickness (CCT US) and intraocular pressure measured with Goldmann applanation tonometry (IOP GA). SETTING: Bordeaux 2 University, Ophthalmology Department, Bordeaux, France. METHODS: This study comprised 498 eyes of 258 patients. Corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor (CRF), and IOP corneal-compensated (IOPcc) were provided by the ORA device; CCT US and IOP GA were also measured in each eye. The study population was divided into 5 groups: normal (n = 122), glaucoma (n = 159), keratoconus (n = 88), laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) (n = 78), and photorefractive keratectomy (n = 39). The Pearson correlation was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Corneal hysteresis was not strongly correlated with IOP or CCT US. The mean CH in the LASIK (8.87 mm Hg) and keratoconus (8.34 mm Hg) groups was lower than in the glaucoma (9.48 mm Hg) and normal (10.26 mm Hg) groups. The lower the CH, the lower its correlation with IOPcc and IOP GA. A CH higher than the CRF was significantly associated with the keratoconus and post-LASIK groups. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal hysteresis, a new corneal parameter, had a moderate dependence on IOP and CCT US. Weaker corneas could be screened with ORA parameters, and low CH could be considered a risk factor for underestimation of IOP. The CCT US should continue to be considered a useful parameter.     

Der Einfluss von kornealer Hysterese und kornealem Resistenzfaktor auf die Messung des intraokularen Drucks

BACKGROUND: The influence of central corneal thickness (CCT) on the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) has been discussed extensively in recent years. The problem, however, has not been solved so far. In addition to CCT there are probably further biomechanical properties that play a role in IOP measurement. We wanted to find out whether these properties are related to Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), noncontact tonometry (NCT), or CCT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Biomechanical properties of the cornea such as corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) can be measured with the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA, Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments, Depew, NY, USA). Furthermore, a corneal compensated IOP (IOPcc) is given. We examined 156 normal eyes of 80 patients who did not show corneal pathology nor glaucoma. In each eye GAT, NCT, and ORA data as well as CCT were measured. Data were statistically analyzed with respect to agreement and the influence of CH and CRF on IOP measurement. RESULTS: In our patients the following average values were calculated: GAT 14.8+/-3.0 mmHg, NCT 16.4+/-3.9 mmHg, IOPcc 16.2+/-4.1 mmHg, CH 10.6+/-2.3 mmHg, CRF 10.9+/-2.4 mmHg, and CCT 557+/-36 microm. IOPcc was not related to CCT in normal eyes and the only IOP value related to CH (p<0.01). CRF, however, was related to GAT and NCT values (p<0.01). DISCUSSION: In our group of normal eyes IOPcc, i.e., the value that is adjusted by measurement of viscoelastic properties of the cornea, in contrast to GAT and NCT does not depend on central corneal thickness. Corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor provide further information about biomechanical properties of the cornea beyond central corneal thickness.     

拉坦前列素滴眼液对开角型青光眼患者眼压、角膜中央厚度和前房深度的影响

目的：探讨开角型青光眼患者局部应用拉坦前列素滴眼液6mo后(0.005%,一日一次),眼压(IOP)、角膜中央厚度(CCT)和前房深度(ACD)的变化。

方法：本研究包含初诊为原发性开角型青光眼(POAG)或剥脱性青光眼(PXG)患者24例37眼。采用Goldmann压平眼压计测量IOP,超声测厚仪测量CCT,超声生物测量仪测量ACD和ACD/轴长(AL)。比较治疗前,记录治疗后3mo和6mo的IOP,CCT,ACD和ACD/AL测量值。

结果：IOP于治疗前,治疗后3mo、6mo平均值分别为25.0±4.2、17.5±2.0、16.9±1.7,可见治疗后显著降低。CCT于治疗前,治疗后3mo、6mo平均值分别为546.6±31.5, 541.0±29.4、542.2±29.3,可见治疗后显著降低。ACD于治疗前,治疗后3mo、6mo平均值分别为3.00±0.43,2.95±0.42、2.97±0.41,可见治疗后3mo显著降低,6mo无显著改变。ACD/AL治疗后改变与ACD情况相似。CCT和ACD的测量值在POAG中有显著变化,而在PXG中则没有。

结论：开角型青光眼患者应用拉坦前列素滴眼液治疗后,除IOP大幅降低外,角膜厚度及ACD亦出现短期内降低。     

Are There Any Changes in Corneal Biomechanics and Central Corneal Thickness in Fuchs’ Uveitis?

Purpose: To compare corneal biomechanics, intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) of 38 patients with unilateral Fuchs’ uveitis (FU) with 42 healthy controls.

Methods: Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldmann-correlated and corneal-compensated IOP (IOPg and IOPcc, respectively) and CCT were measured.

Results: The mean CH, CRF, and IOPg of the involved FU eyes were significantly lower (9.5?±?1.6, 9.0?±?1.9 and 13.1?±?4.3?mmHg) than contralateral eyes (10.1?±?1.7, 9.9?±?1.7 and 14.6?±?3.4?mmHg), and controls (10.5?±?1.5, 10.3?±?1.5 and 14.8?±?2.5?mmHg), respectively. There was no significant difference for mean IOPcc between involved FU or contralateral eyes and controls (14.8?±?4.1, 15.5?±?3.4 and 15.0?±?2.7?mmHg). The CCT values correlated with CH and CRF in the involved and contralateral eyes.

Conclusions: Involved FU eyes had lower CH, CRF, and IOPg than contralateral eyes and controls, with no difference regarding IOPcc.     

Evolution of central corneal thickness in children with congenital glaucoma requiring glaucoma surgery

Background The purpose of the study was to investigate the evolution of central corneal thickness (CCT) in correlation to the intraocular pressure (IOP) in children with congenital glaucoma before and after glaucoma surgery. Methods Nine eyes of five children (age 2 weeks to 6 months, mean 23 weeks) underwent trabeculotomy for congenital glaucoma. Corneal ultrasound pachymetry (PacScan 3000 AP, Technomed, Germany), tonometry using the Perkins tonometer, and slit-lamp examination (additionally to a clinical routine examination with retinoscopy, funduscopy, measurement of axial length and corneal diameter) were performed before and for at least 12 months after glaucoma surgery. In all children, corneal pachymetry and slit-lamp biomicroscopy—and whenever possible applanation tonometry—were performed without sedation or general anesthesia. If measurement of the IOP was not possible otherwise (in four of the five children), sedation with midazolam orally was used to measure the IOP at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months after trabeculotomy, then every 3 months. Results Six of nine eyes had biomicroscopically clear corneas without visible corneal edema before trabeculotomy. In three eyes, a corneal edema was visible in at least one quadrant of the cornea. Regarding all eyes together, mean CCT was 651 ± 138 μm before trabeculotomy; this decreased to 592 ± 119 μm within 2 weeks after trabeculotomy. At 6 weeks and 3 months there was a further regression to 569.4 ± 16 μm. Mean IOP was 18.6 ± 7.5 mmHg before and decreased to 14.8 ± 5.8 mmHg after glaucoma surgery. Regarding IOP data obtained under general anaesthesia, decrease of CCT was significantly correlated with decrease in IOP. There was no significant difference in the correlation between eyes with and without visible corneal edema. Conclusions Corneal ultrasound pachymetry appears to be a valuable additional measure in the follow-up of infants and small children requiring glaucoma surgery. Financial interest: None Oral presentation at the annual meeting of the DOG (German Ophthalmological Society), Berlin, September 2006