Correlation between Central Corneal Thickness and Intraocular Pressure Measured by Goldmann Applanation Tonometry or Pascal Dynamic Contour Tonometry.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry and Pascal dynamic contour tonometry.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The study included 45 persons (90 eyes), divided into 4 groups: a) 10 normal volunteers (20 eyes); b) 16 patients (32 eyes) with primary open-angle glaucoma; c) 8 patients (16 eyes) with normal-tension glaucoma; and d) 11 patients (22 eyes) with ocular hypertension. Intraocular pressure was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry and Pascal dynamic contour tonometry, and central corneal thickness was measured by ultrasound pachymetry. The relationship between intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness was evaluated.

RESULTS

Intraocular pressure was correlated positively but not strongly enough with central corneal thickness when it was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry. On the contrary, there was no correlation between intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness when intraocular pressure was measured by Pascal dynamic contour tonometry.

CONCLUSION

Central corneal thickness is an important variable in the evaluation of intraocular pressure by Goldmann applanation tonometry. This factor does not interfere with the intraocular pressure measurements taken by Pascal dynamic contour tonometry.