Glaucomas: Glaucoma and the cornea

Abstract

From the glaucoma specialist's standpoint, the cornea has generated a great deal of interest since the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) highlighted the importance of central corneal thickness as a risk factor for glaucoma development. The cornea has always been important though, because a compact and transparent cornea is necessary for a clear view of the optic nerve, for good visual acuity to perform visual fields, and for accurate measurements of intraocular pressure. The effects of glaucoma and glaucoma treatment on the corneal endothelium are of particular concern, as a compromised endothelium poses a great risk for corneal decompensation. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.