According to the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS), central corneal thickness (CCT) influences measured Goldmann applanation IOP. Which statement best describes this relationship?

• A Thicker corneas cause underestimation of true IOP
• B CCT does not affect Goldmann measurements
• C Thinner corneas cause underestimation of true IOP ✓
• D Thinner corneas cause overestimation of true IOP

Explanation

Thinner corneas (lower CCT) cause underestimation of true IOP by Goldmann applanation tonometry, while thicker corneas cause overestimation. OHTS identified thin CCT as one of the strongest independent risk factors for conversion from ocular hypertension to POAG, partly because these patients' actual IOPs were higher than measured. This has major implications for risk stratification in clinical practice.

Reference: Archives of Ophthalmology, OHTS 2002 ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.