MONDAY, Sept. 13 (HealthDayNews) -- Corneal thickness may be an important factor in treatment options for glaucoma patients, says a study in the September issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.

The cornea is the thin, transparent layer that covers the eye. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve that can cause vision loss.

Columbia University researchers measured the central corneal thickness and intralocular pressure of 188 glaucoma patients. Based on those measurements, 16 patients had a change in their eye drop therapy, four had a change regarding laser therapy, and six had a decision change about glaucoma surgery.

The study authors concluded that "central corneal thickness has a significant effect on the clinical management of patients with glaucoma and glaucoma suspect (suspected glaucoma)."

More information

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has more about glaucoma.