Introduction/Objective. In patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG)
we explored the relationship between optic nerve head (ONH) topography
parameters and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness with central
corneal thickness (CCT). Methods. This retrospective study included 97
patients (97 eyes) with primary open-angle glaucoma. Patients were divided
into a thin CCT<540?m (45 eyes) and a thick CCT?540?m (52 eyes) group, using
ultrasonic pachymeter. Topographic measurements of the ONH parameters and
RNFL thickness was performed using optical coherence tomography (OCT). The
outcomes were compared with the thin and thick CCT and correlated with the
thin CCT of the subjects. Results. There were significantly lower mean
intraocular pressure (IOP) (p<0.0001) and CCT (p<0.0001) in patients with
thin CCT compared to patients with thick CCT. Statistically significant
differences of ONH parameters were found in thin cornea group compared to
thick cornea group in: cup/disc area ratio (p<0.03), vertical cup/disc
ratio (p<0.01) and rim volume (p<0.01). Statistically significant
differences of RNFL thickness were found in thin cornea group compared to
thick cornea group in: average (p<0.001), superior (p<0.03), inferior
(p<0.03) and nasal (p<0.01). Significant positive correlation was found
between thin CCT and OCT parameters in: optic disc area (r=0.429, p=0.003),
cup/disc area ratio (r=0.287, p=0.05), horizontal cup/disc ratio (r=0.472,
p<0.001), vertical cup/disc ratio (r=0.578, p<0.001), average RNFL
(r=0.796, p<0.001), superior RNFL (r=0.665, p<0.001), inferior RNFL
(r=0.650, p<0.001), nasal RNFL (r=0.611, p<0.001) and temporal RNFL
thickness (r=0.601, p<0.001). Conclusion. POAG patients with thin cornea
will probably develop larger glaucoma changes than those with a thicker
cornea. Ultrasonic pachymetry measurements of CCT and OCT analysis of ONH
topography parameters and RNFL thickness provide significant information in
early diagnosis and monitoring progression of POAG.