Correlations Between Central Corneal Thickness and General Anthropometric Characteristics and Cardiovascular Parameters in a Large European Cohort From the Gutenberg Health Study

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlations between general anthropometric features and cardiovascular parameters and central corneal thickness (CCT) in an adult European cohort. METHODS: Analysis was based on a Gutenberg Health Study cohort that included 5000 subjects (2540 male, 2460 female), aged 35 to 74 years at enrollment. The participants underwent a standardized protocol with a comprehensive questionnaire; ophthalmic examination (slit-lamp biomicroscopy; autorefractometry; noncontact tonometry; fundus photography; CCT measurements (optical pachymetry)); visual field testing; and a thorough general examination focused on cardiovascular parameters, psychosomatic evaluation, and laboratory tests including genetic analysis. RESULTS: Reliable CCT measurements were available for 4708 right eyes (OD, 94.2%), 4721 left eyes (OS, 94.4%), and both eyes (OU) in 4698 subjects (94.0%). The mean CCT was 555 +/- 35 mu m in men and 549 +/- 35 mu m in women. In multiple linear regression analysis, the CCT was associated with gender [P < 0.001 for OU], body height [in men, P = 0.007 for OD, P = 0.04 for OS; in women P < 0.001 for OU], and body mass index (P < 0.001 for OD, P = 0.001 for OS). In men only, the CCT correlated with the body weight [P = 0.024 (OD), P = 0.048 (OS)] and smoking [P = 0.006 (OD), P < 0.001 (OS)]. No correlations were found between the CCT and dyslipidemia, diabetes, or hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The CCT was associated with male gender, body height, and body mass index in an adult white cohort. It correlated with body weight and nicotine abuse in men only. No associations were found between the CCT and dyslipidemia, diabetes, or hypertension