Comparison of Central Corneal Thickness Measurements by Ultrasound Pachymetry and Non-Contact Specular Microscopy in Normal Eyes

Abstract

Central corneal thickness measurement plays a crucial role in the assessment and treatment of glaucoma and several corneal diseases in addition to its importance in refractive surgery management. There are various methods for central corneal thickness measurement, which differ in their operating principles and technology beside the difference in their advantages and limitation. This study aims to compare central corneal thickness (CCT) values of healthy eyes measured by two common devices: ultrasound pachymetry (UP) and non-contact specular microscopy (NCSM) and to determine the average difference between the two measurements. The study was conducted in the ophthalmology outpatient clinic in Imam Al-Sadiq Hospital- Hilla city and included 99 healthy individuals (198 eyes) of both genders. Results indicated that NCSM tends to give thinner CCT values compared to UP while providing quicker, safer and more comfortable evaluation for corneal thickness in addition to corneal endothelial cell density.