Evaluation of Corneal Thickness in Rheumatoid Arthritic Patients using pentacam

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune connective tissue disease that affects several tissues and is frequently linked with ocular symptoms. The cornea is one of the most important components of the eye in rheumatic patients. Measurement of corneal thickness in these individuals is critical for determining the level of ocular involvement.
Aim:Evaluation of corneal thickness in RA patients compared to healthy subjects by using pentacam.
Patients and Methods: A total of 48 patients and 48 control subjects were participated in this study. Ophthalmic examination was performed on each subject. Central corneal thickness and peripheral corneal thickness were evaluated using (pentacam). Additionally, the relative peripheral index was
calculated by dividing the peripheral corneal thickness by the central corneal thickness.
Results: The mean corneal thicknesses at the center and the superior, inferior nasal and temporal points were significantly lower in the Rheumatoid Arthritis group.
Conclusion: The central corneal thickness and peripheral corneal thickness were thinner in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to those in control subjects.
Keywords: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Corneal thickness (CT), Central corneal thickness (CCT), Peripheral corneal thickness