The relationship between central corneal thickness and corneal curvature in adult Nigerians

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to provide average values for central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal curvature (CC) and also to determine a regression model for the relationship between CCT
and CC in adult Nigerians without glaucoma.

Methods: A total of 95 subjects consisting of 56 males and 39 females aged between 20 and 69 years with mean age of 47.1 ± 14.1 years were recruited for the study. Central corneal thickness was
measured by ultrasound pachymetry (SW-1000P ultrasound pachymeter, Tianjin Suowei Electronic Technology, China) and corneal curvature was measured by keratometry (Bausch & Lomb
keratometer H-135A, USA).

Results: The average values of 550.1 ± 33.1µm and 43.0 ± 1.1 D were obtained for CCT and CC respectively. CCT significantly correlated with age (p=0.01), and the regression model predicts
a decrease of 6.0 µm in CCT per decade. No significant association was found between CC and age (p=0.56). Also, no significant association was found between CCT and CC (p=0.07). Female
subjects had significantly steeper corneas than their male counterparts.

Conclusion: Central corneal thickness decreases with increasing age. Neither CCT nor age appear to be significantly correlated with corneal curvature. (S Afr Optom 2011 70(1) 44-50)