Central corneal thickness in individuals with intellectual disabilities

Purpose: To assess central corneal thickness (CCT) values in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). Methods: The study group was made up of 25 participants with ID (mean age, 36.9 +/- 8.7 years). The control group was made up of 25 healthy individuals (mean age, 37.1 +/- 10.1 years) with normal intellectual capacity and without any systemic or intraocular pathology. CCT value was measured by ultrasound pachymetry. Ten consecutive measurements were made at the center of the cornea of each eye. Results: In the ID group, mean CCT value was 554.0 +/- 39.7 mu m in the right eye and 556.8 +/- 38.7 mu m in the left eye. In the control group, mean CCT value was 535.7 +/- 24.2 mu m in the right eye and 536.5 +/- 24.8 mu m in the left eye. CCT value in the ID group was significantly greater than in the control group for both right (P < 0.05) and left eyes (P < 0.02). Conclusions: CCT should be kept in mind during measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP) in individuals with ID because their CCTs may be greater than those in the general population.