Original Articles December 01, 2011 December 01, 2011

Study of correlation between optic disc size and corneal geometry and biomechanics

DOI: 10.1590/S0034-72802011000600003

PURPOSE: To correlate optic disc size geometry, corneal architecture and biomechanics. METHODS: Optic disc area and geometry was accessed by HRT III (Heidelberg Retina Tomography – Heidelberg eng), Pentacam (Oculus) was used for accessing IOP and corneal parameters and ORA (Ocular Response Analyze – Reichert) was utilized to access corneal biomechanical properties. Classification based DDLS (Disc Damage Likelihood Scale) scale from retinography was performed. Settings: Instituto de Olhos Renato Ambrósio. RESULTS: 244 eyes of 122 patients (75 female) were included. The average age was 47,2 years (from 8 to 97 years). A significant negative correlation was found between disc optic size and CRF (r=0,1337, p=0,0263). A small trend was also found between optic nerve size and hysteresis (r=-0,1123, p=0,0625). A significant negative correlation was also found between disc optic size and thinnest point, maximal pachymetri progression, corneal volume at (1, 4 e 6mm) and difference from thinnest and central value (p<0,05). The highest negative correlation was with corneal volume within 4mm in diameter (r=-1,887; p=0,0017). A positive correlation between size of optic disc and cornea astigmatism (delta K), was found (r= 1,15; p=0,0129). CONCLUSION: There is a negative correlation between optic disc size and corneal thickness and biomechanical properties. These findings may help explaining susceptibility for the development of glaucoma neuropathy in some cases.