Measurement of the central corneal thickness in patients with ocular hypertension, normal tension glaucoma and primary open-angle glaucoma

Objectives: To determine the difference in central corneal thickness in different types of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Material and methods: We examined 72 patients; 18 of each group with the diagnosis of ocular hypertension (OH), normal tension glaucoma (NTG), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and healthy control patients (HP). We measured central corneal thickness with ultrasonic and optical pachymetry and intraocular pressure (IOP) with Goldmann tonometer. Descriptive analysis and ANOVA test were made. Results: Central corneal thickness was significantly higher in patients with ocular hypertension compared to healthy patients (ANOVA p<0.0001; Bonferroni p<0.048). We did not found statistical significant differences in NTG, POAG and HP, however 30% of NTG had less than 520 microns. Conclusion: We recommend performing ultrasonic pachymetry in ocular hypertensive patients to avoid IOP overestimation with applanation Goldmann tonometry.