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Corneal Confocal Microscopy: A Novel Non-invasive Technique to Quantify Small Fibre Pathology in Peripheral Neuropathies
Published on: January 3, 2011
Normative database for corneal backscatter analysis by in vivo confocal microscopy.
Toine Hillenaar1, Roger H H Cals, Paul H C Eilers
1Rotterdam Ophthalmic Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. t.hillenaar@oogziekenhuis.nl
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|August 19, 2011
Summary
Corneal backscatter measurement in healthy individuals varies with sex and time of day, and increases with age after 50. These factors are crucial for research but can be generalized for clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Optics
- Corneal Imaging
Background:
- Corneal backscatter, a measure of light scattering within the cornea, is crucial for understanding corneal health and disease.
- In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is a key technology for quantifying corneal microstructure and optical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of sex, age, diurnal variations, and repeatability on corneal backscatter measurements in healthy human corneas.
- To establish normative data for corneal backscatter and assess its variability for research and clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Seven corneal backscatter variants were measured using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) in 157 healthy subjects.
- Data were analyzed for sex and age relatedness, diurnal variation (four measurements/day), and repeatability (intra- and intersession).
- Linear mixed models were employed to determine the statistical significance of measured factors on corneal backscatter.
Main Results:
- Corneal backscatter was significantly higher in men (3.5% increase, P = 0.003).
- A significant increase in backscatter was observed in the anterior stroma from age 50 onwards (P = 0.0003).
- A statistically significant diurnal variation was detected across all measured backscatter variants (P < 0.01), with a test-retest coefficient of variation of 5.3%.
Conclusions:
- Sex and time of measurement significantly impact corneal backscatter, while age primarily affects the anterior stroma.
- These variables must be considered in scientific research involving corneal backscatter.
- For ophthalmic practice, generalized normal ranges and minimum detectable change values are proposed, suggesting these factors can be normalized for clinical use.
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