Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

05:51
Characterization of a Novel Human Organotypic Retinal Culture Technique
Published on: June 9, 2021
[Normal retinal layers in HRT II corneal module]
Zofia Michalewska1, Janusz Michalewski, Zofia Nawrocka
1Klinika Okulistyczna Jasne Błonia w Łodzi. zosia_n@yahoo.com
Klinika Oczna
|February 7, 2009
Summary
Confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscopy using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II (HRT II) cornea module accurately measures corneal thickness and cell density in healthy individuals. This noninvasive tool aids in diagnosing and evaluating corneal diseases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Medical Imaging
Context:
- Corneal imaging is crucial for diagnosing various eye conditions.
- Accurate cellular and thickness measurements are vital for understanding corneal health.
- Confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscopy offers a noninvasive approach to in vivo corneal analysis.
Purpose:
- To present detailed in vivo imaging of corneal layers in healthy individuals.
- To evaluate the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II (HRT II) cornea module for corneal analysis.
- To measure corneal thickness and characterize cellularity of corneal layers.
Summary:
- The study analyzed 40 corneas from 20 healthy individuals using the HRT II cornea module.
- Measurements included corneal thickness, layer-specific cell counts (endothelium, keratocytes, Langerhans cells), and cell characteristics.
- Results showed specific cell densities for outer endothelium (846 cells/mm²), medium endothelium (5000 cells/mm²), inner endothelium (~9000 cells/mm²), Langerhans cells (34-92 cells/mm²), and keratocyte nuclei (355/mm²).
- Endothelial cell density averaged 2960 cells/mm².
- Findings were comparable to histopathological data.
Impact:
- The HRT II cornea module is a noninvasive, rapid, and repeatable instrument for corneal assessment.
- It enables precise measurement of corneal thickness and cell counts.
- This technology can significantly aid in the diagnosis and treatment evaluation of diverse corneal diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomy of the Eyeball
The eye is a spherical, hollow structure composed of three tissue layers. The outer layer — the fibrous tunic, comprises the sclera — a white structure — and the cornea, which is transparent. The sclera encompasses some of the ocular surface, most of which is not visible. However, the 'white of the eye' is distinctively visible in humans compared to other species. The cornea, a clear covering at the front of the eye, enables light penetration. The eye's middle layer, the vascular tunic,...
Reticular Dermis
The papillary and reticular dermis are the two layers of the dermis. They are made of connective tissue with fibers of collagen extending from one to the other, making the border between the two somewhat indistinct. The dermal papillae extending into the epidermis belong to the papillary layer, whereas the dense collagen fiber bundles below belong to the reticular layer.
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...
The Retina
The retina is a layer of nervous tissue at the back of the eye that transduces light into neural signals. This process, called phototransduction, is carried out by rod and cone photoreceptor cells in the back of the retina.
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...

