Central corneal thickness in full-term Saudi newborns.

PURPOSE

To establish a standard of normal central corneal thickness (CCT) in normal full-term Saudi newborn. These values could be used as a reference in the early diagnosis and control of the fairly common primary congenital glaucoma in Saudi newborns.

METHODS

The CCT was measured in 100 normal full-term Saudi newborns (200 eyes) during the first 6 days of the postnatal period. All measurements were carried out by one investigator using ultrasonic pachymeter DGH-1000.

RESULTS

The mean CCT of 200 eyes (right and left) was 616 ± 61 μm. The mean CCT of the right and left eyes was similar (CCTRE was 617 ± 62 μm, and mean CCTLE was 616 ± 60 μm), with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.417). The mean CCT for males was 631 ± 66 μm and for females 600 ± 50 μm. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01). The mean CCT decreases significantly by age [day-1: 626 ± 65 μm, day-2: 601 ± 48 μm and day-3: 574 ± 45 μm (p = 0.049)]. No correlations were found between CCT and gestational age, birth weight, birth length and head circumference.

CONCLUSION

The average CCT in full-term Saudi newborns was found to be 616 ± 61 μm. The mean CCT in males was significantly higher than in females. There was no correlation between CCT and gestational age, birth weight, birth length and head circumference. There were borderline significant differences between CCT in 1-day-, 2-day-, and 3-day-old babies.