Central Corneal Thickness, Intraocular Pressure and Their Correlation in Healthy Czech Children Aged 7-17 Years
Abstract
The purpose of this prospective study was to determine normal central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) in healthy white children aged 7-17 years and to analyze their possible correlation to age and gender. Further, the possible correlations between CCT and IOP were analyzed.
Methods:
CCT and IOP were assessed in 248 eyes of 124 healthy children aged 7-17 years (mean, 12.7 years). Fifty-four boys and 70 girls were included into the study. Further, the analyzed cohort was divided into subgroups of younger (7-12.4 years) and older (12.5-17 years) boys and girls. The data obtained from the whole cohort were statistically analyzed to assess normal CCT and IOP in healthy youth. Relation of CCT and IOP to age and gender, as well as relation between CCT and IOP were studied. The CCT was measured using ultrasonic pachymetry and IOP by means of Goldmann applanation tonometry.
Results:
The mean CCT +- SD in 124 children was 554 +- 33 μm (range, 437 - 641 μm); no influence of age or gender was detected. The mean IOP +- SD in the whole cohort was 14.5 +- 2.6 mm Hg (range, 10-25 mm Hg). Statistically significant difference of 0.7 mm Hg was found between boys and girls, where the mean IOP was 14.1 +- 2.3 mm Hg in boys and 14.8 +- 2.8 mm Hg in girls respectively (p = 0.03). Age had no influence on IOP for the age range of 7-17 years (p = 0.67). The positive correlation between CCT and IOP was found. The calculated correction was 1.55 mm Hg change of IOP for 100 μm change of CCT.
Conclusion:
CCT and IOP values in healthy children aged 7-17 years are similar to values in adults. The positive correlation between both parameters seems to be of minimal clinical importance.