Correlation Between Central Corneal Thickness and Radial Peripapillary Capillary Density, in Patients With Ocular Hypertension

Cureus. 2021 Aug 12;13(8):e17138. doi: 10.7759/cureus.17138. eCollection 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Purpose To investigate any possible relationship between the central corneal thickness and the radial peripapillary capillary density detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography in eyes with ocular hypertension. Materials and methods In this observational study, 135 eyes were examined. OCT angiography of the optic disc (4.5 mm) and ultrasound corneal pachymetry were performed in all cases. Age, medical treatment for ocular hypertension, sex, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were evaluated. The main indices of blood flow were also examined. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to explore the association between two continuous variables. Results A directly proportional significance regarding the correlation between central corneal thickness and radial peripapillary network was indicated in eyes with ocular hypertension (p = .036). Conclusions Central corneal thickness and radial peripapillary capillary density constitute two essential screening parameters for patients with ocular hypertension.

Keywords: central corneal thickness; ocular hypertension; optical coherence tomography angiography; radial peripapillary capillary density; risk factors.