Central corneal thickness and visual field progression in patients with chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma with low intraocular pressure

PURPOSE: To determine the association of central corneal thickness (CCT) and visual field progression in patients with chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma (CPACG) with low intraocular pressure (IOP). DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative case series. METHODS: A total of 163 eyes with CPACG and sustained IOP <18 mm Hg were included. Initial and three-year after mean deviation (MD) on Humphrey field analyzer and CCT with ultrasonic pachymetry were recorded. On the basis of the CCT value, the sample was split in two groups (group 1 <540 microm; group 2 > or =540 microm). RESULTS: Mean CCT was 525.8 +/- 11.6 microm in group 1 and 574.4 +/- 24.0 microm in group 2. There was no significant difference for initial MD (P = .979), but a significant difference was found between two groups for follow-up MD (P = .023). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CPACG with a thinner cornea are at greater risk for visual field progression even if they maintain a low IOP after treatment.