Comparison of corneal thickness measurements using ultrasound and Orbscan slit-scanning topography in normal and post-LASIK eyes.

PURPOSE

To compare corneal thickness measurements made by ultrasonic and slit-scanning techniques in normal eyes and in eyes after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

SETTING

Corneal Diseases and Excimer Laser Research Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland.

METHODS

Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured in 101 eyes of 59 normal subjects and in 30 eyes of 21 post-LASIK patients. Measurements were made with an Orbscan slit-scanning elevation topographer and immediately afterward with an ultrasound pachymeter.

RESULTS

The difference in mean CCT between ultrasound (538.0 microm +/- 36.7 [SD]) and Orbscan (566.6 +/- 40.7 microm) pachymetry was statistically significant (P <.001) in the normal eyes; the Orbscan measurement was approximately 28 microm higher than that of the ultrasound pachymeter. The difference in mean CCT between the ultrasound and the slit-scanning techniques was also statistically significant in the post-LASIK eyes (mean values 475.3 +/- 50.3 microm and 461.9 +/- 74.2 microm, respectively; P <.0001). Differences in CCT in individual subjects were much more variable in the post-LASIK eyes than in the normal eyes. The Bland and Altman method for assessing clinical agreement between 2 instruments showed that in 95% of cases, the CCT measurements with both instruments would be within 65 microm in normal eyes and 150 microm in post-LASIK eyes.

CONCLUSION

Central corneal thickness measurements were, on average, 28 microm higher with the Orbscan than with the ultrasound pachymeter in normal eyes and 13 microm lower in post-LASIK eyes. The degree of variability within each group indicated that these 2 techniques are not clinically comparable, precluding interchangeable use of their data in planning or assessing corneal surgery.