Evaluation of central corneal sensitivity in different age groups with healthy cornea in Tehran

Corneal sensitivity is one of the indicators for corneal health which may be affected by some factors such as age and geographical area. The purpose of this study was to measure normal central corneal sensitivity in different age groups with healthy cornea in Tehran. Central corneal sensitivity of the right eye of 596 volunteers (age ranged 15-81) was measured using a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer. Subjects were divided into six age groups of 1-6 based on age ranges of 15-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65 and >65 years, respectively. All measurements were performed by the same optometrist in 18 degrees of centigrade temperature, 35% humidity and between 2-5 p.m. There was a significant main effect of age group (f=92.22, p=0.000). There was statistically significant difference of central corneal sensitivity among all age groups (p≤0.01) except between group 1 and 2 (p=0.955). Based on the finding of the present study, the central corneal sensitivity decreases after age of 36 years in this study population which is earlier than what has been previously reported.