Ocular Response Analyzer to Assess Age-Related Biomechanical Characteristics of the Cornea in a Taiwanese Population

Purpose: To investigate biomechanical properties of the cornea as measured using a Reichert ocular response analyzer (ORA) in a Taiwanese population. Methods: Basic demographic data were recorded for 1875 Taiwanese subjects. Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), central corneal thickness (CCT), Goldmann-equivalent intraocular pressure (IOPg), and corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) were measured with an ORA. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses were used to assess and compare relevant factors of the CRF and CH. Results: In total, 1817 eyes were included in this study. The mean patient age was 21.4 ± 17.01 years. The mean (±SD) CH and CRF values were 10.6 ± 1.81 and 10.6 ± 1.99 mmHg, respectively. The mean CCT was 560.4 ± 38.53 μm. CH was correlated with IOPcc, CRF, and CCT. In the multiple linear-regression model, CH was associated with and affected by IOPcc, CRF, and CCT. In another multiple linear-regression model, CRF was associated with and affected by IOPcc, CH, and CCT. Conclusions: Measuring biomechanical properties by Reichert ORA, we found that CH and CRF values of a Taiwanese population were similar to those other Asian populations and other races. Our findings provided fundamental data of CH and CRF in a Taiwanese (ethic Chinese) and also Asian population.