Corneal epithelial thickness in healthy Saudi eyes: a cross-sectional study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20250556Keywords:
Anterior segment optical coherence tomography, Age, Corneal epithelial thickness, Gender, Saudi populationAbstract
Background: Corneal epithelial thickness (CET) mapping is a critical tool for corneal and refractive surgeons, aiding in the differentiation of true corneal ectasia from suspicious cases. This study aimed to establish normative CET values for a healthy Saudi population in the Taif region and investigate variations based on age and gender using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).
Methods: CET was measured in 450 eyes of 225 individuals aged 10 to 70 years using the MS-39 AS-OCT device. Thickness maps were generated for three zones: central (0–3 mm), paracentral (3–6 mm) and midperipheral (6–8 mm). Each zone was subdivided into superior, inferior, nasal and temporal sectors. Statistical analyses assessed correlations between CET, age and gender. Paracentral and midperipheral zone was subdivided into superior, inferior, nasal and temporal sectors. Statistical analyses assessed correlations between CET, age and gender.
Results: Males exhibited slightly thicker central CET compared to females (53.4±4.2 µm vs. 52.8±4.0 µm, p=0.045). The central CET increased with age, with the oldest group (61–70 years) showing a 4.6% increase compared to the youngest group (10–20 years, p=0.041). Regional analysis revealed that the superior and temporal sectors were significantly thinner than the nasal and inferior sectors (p<0.05).
Conclusions: CET distribution in the Saudi population is non-uniform, with significant variations based on gender, age and corneal region. These findings provide valuable normative data for clinical practice, particularly in refractive surgery planning and corneal disease diagnosis.
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References
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