Evaluation of Corneal Biomechanical Properties Measured By Ocular Response Analyzer in Cases with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Purpose: To compare the corneal biomechanical properties using an ocular response analyzer (ORA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy control subjects. Material and Method: Thirty four eyes of 17 healthy individuals (control group) and 34 eyes of 17 patients with RA (study group) were recruited. ORA measurements were performed in all patients. Corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc), Goldman related intraocular pressure (IOPg), corneal resistance factor (CRF), and corneal hysteresis (CH) were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using a t test for independent samples. Results: In the study group, mean CH was 11.5 +/- 2.1 (7.7-16.2) mmHg, mean CRF was 12.1 +/- 2.3 (8.2-17) mmHg, IOPg 17.2 +/- 4.4 (8.3-25.1) and mean IOPcc was 16.5 +/- 4.3 (7.7-24.2) mmHg. In the control group, mean CH was 11.6 +/- 1.1 (9.7-13.8) mmHg, mean CRF was (11.8 +/- 1.2 (9.8-14.1) mmHg, IOPg 15.9 +/- 3.3 (9.4-25.7), and mean IOPcc was 15.4 +/- 2.6 (8.8-21.2) mmHg. There were no significant differences in these parameters between the study and control groups (p>0.05). Discussion: The biomechanical parameters measured with ORA were not statistical difference in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and age matched healthy individuals. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2011; 41: 167-70)