The normal distribution of corneal eccentricity and its determinants in two rural areas of north and south of Iran

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of corneal eccentricity (E-value) in a normal population and to examine related factors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, two villages were selected in Iran using multistage cluster sampling. Selected persons were invited to have a comprehensive eye examination. Examinations in each village were performed at a specific location under standard conditions. After testing for vision and refraction and conducting the slit-lamp exam, E-value was measured with Pentacam. RESULTS: Of the 3851 selected individuals, 3314 participated in the study. After applying the exclusion criteria, data from 2610 subjects was used in the analysis for this report. Mean E-value was 0.53 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52 to 0.54]. E-value was not significantly different between males and females. Mean E-value reduced with age from 0.60 in subjects aged 6–20 years to 0.47 in subjects older than 70 years. The hyperopic group of participants had significantly lower E-value than myopic and emmetropic ones (P < 0.001). The relationship of E-value with age, gender, and other anterior segment variables and spherical equivalent was examined in a multiple linear regression model. In multiple linear regression model, age (coef = −0.003), spherical equivalent refraction (coef = −0.005), pupil diameter (coef = 0.018), anterior chamber volume (coef = −0.001), and anterior chamber angle (coef = 0.003) significantly correlated with E-value. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the cornea in normal populations is prolate, and the degree of prolateness varies by age, such that older age is associated with a less prolate cornea. This study showed that factors such as age and refractive errors and anterior chamber indices influence the E-value.