Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Ophthalmology

Purpose: To evaluate the corneal biomechanical properties by using Ocular Response analyzer ORA to measure corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor and IOPcc and correlate them with central corneal thickness in Rheumatoid arthritis patients and correlate it with the disease activity. Patients and methods: The study is a cross sectional study in which rheumatoid arthritis patients scheduled for full ophthalmic examination, measuring intraocular pressure measurement (IOP) using the ocular response analyzer (ORA), the goldman applanation tonometer (GAT) and central corneal thickness CCT by using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the same day after assessment of the disease activity by rheumatologist using CDAI score activity then statistical analysis was done for all the results. Results: Forty rheumatoid arthritis patients were enrolled in the study, 4 males and 36 females the mean age of patients involved is 42.8 (± ), ranging between 30 and 70 years. Obtainability of ORA was significantly higher than GAT in both groups (active and inactive). Strong correlations existed between GAT and ORA measurements. Strong negative correlation between CDAI and CCT in the active group. Significant positive correlation between CRF and CCT in the inactive group. No statistically significant difference between ORA parameters, OCT pachymetery or IOP GAT between two groups. Conclusion: ORA has proven to be superior to GAT in the ability to obtain reliable IOP measurements in RA. Central corneal thickness was negatively correlated with CDAI activity score. Corneal biomechanical properties could have been affected and persisted in RA in active or remission disease phase

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