Ocular parameters in elderly in Norway

Abstract

A retrospective review of medical records of 434 patients (mean age 76.2 +/- 10.1 years) undergoing cataract surgery was performed to detect possible sex differences for several ocular parameters and their change with age. More women were operated for cataract than men by a 2:1 ratio. Their age was not significantly different. Women had higher intraocular pressure (15.4 +/- 3.5 mmHg), shorter axial length (22.98 +/- 1.31 mm) and steeper cornea (43.64 +/- 1.61D) than men (14.7 +/- 3.6 mmHg, 23.33 +/- 0.97 mm and 42.88 +/- 1.52D, respectively). For both sexes, a negative correlation between the corneal refraction and axial length was revealed. For women, a trend towards shorter eyes in the higher age groups was found. Among those older than 80 years, stronger intraocular lenses were implanted in women than in men. Based on these results, more attention should be paid to the differences between women and men regarding ocular parameters in the elderly.