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Intraocular pressure, Goldmann applanation tension, corneal thickness, and corneal curvature in Caucasians, Asians, Hispanics, and African Americans. American journal of ophthalmology. [Am J Ophthalmol] Journal article

 
TitleIntraocular pressure, Goldmann applanation tension, corneal thickness, and corneal curvature in Caucasians, Asians, Hispanics, and African Americans.
Author(s)Shimmyo M, Ross AJ, Moy A, Mostafavi R 
InstitutionDepartment of Clinical Ophthalmology, New York Medical College, New York, New York, USA. Mshimmyo@aol.com
SourceAm J Ophthalmol 2003 Oct; 136(4):603-13.
MeSHAdult
African Continental Ancestry Group
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Aging
Comparative Study
Cornea
Cross-Sectional Studies
Ethnic Groups
European Continental Ancestry Group
Hispanic Americans
Humans
Intraocular Pressure
Middle Aged
Refraction, Ocular
Retrospective Studies
Tonometry, Ocular
AbstractPURPOSE: This is to investigate whether there are differences in Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), central corneal thickness, and corneal curvature among four racial groups. If differences are present, they may alter GAT reading, diagnosis, and management of glaucoma in the population.
DESIGN: Observational retrospective cross-sectional study.
METHODS: Charts of patients who have had keratorefractive surgery were examined. Central corneal thickness, corneal curvature, refractive power, and GAT were measured in 1482 Caucasian, 172 Asian, 204 Hispanic, and 118 African-American eyes (total 1976 eyes). Refractive components and GAT were compared. We compared intraocular pressure (IOP) adjusted by GAT, central corneal thickness, and corneal curvature among the four groups.
RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the mean (+/- standard deviation) central corneal thickness of African American (535.46 +/- 33.39) and Caucasian (552.59 +/- 34.48) eyes. Mean central corneal thickness was near 550 microm in Caucasians, Asians, and Hispanics. No significant difference was noted in corneal curvature in the four groups. There was a significant correlation between central corneal thickness and corneal curvature, and GAT was similar among the four groups. When IOP was adjusted for central corneal thickness, it was significantly greater in African Americans (16.12 +/- 3.27) than in Caucasians (14.32 +/- 2.93). Corneas of women were significantly thinner than corneas of men.
CONCLUSIONS: African Americans had significantly thinner central corneal thickness than Caucasians, Asians, or Hispanics, causing the underreading of true IOP. Significant correlation between central corneal thickness and corneal curvature was demonstrated. Uncorrected GAT underreading of African Americans may lead to delay in diagnosis, inadequate treatment target setting, and higher morbidity. Goldmann applanation tonometry needs to be corrected by central corneal thickness and corneal curvature for proper diagnosis and management of glaucoma.
Languageeng
Pub Type(s)Journal Article
PubMed ID14516799
  
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