Does corneal hysteresis correlate with endothelial cell density?

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Science
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Understanding corneal biomechanics is crucial for diagnosing and managing various eye conditions.
• Previous research has explored factors influencing corneal properties, but the relationship between biomechanics, cell count, and thickness requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between corneal biomechanical properties (corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor) and endothelial cell count in healthy corneas.
• To determine the relationship between corneal biomechanical properties and corneal pachymetry in a cohort of healthy individuals.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-two healthy eyes underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations.
• Corneal biomechanical properties were assessed using the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA).
• Corneal pachymetry and topography were measured with a Scheimpflug-based topographer, and endothelial cell count was determined via specular microscopy.

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation was observed between corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), and corneal thickness (p<0.001; r=0.79).
• No significant correlation was found between corneal biomechanical properties (CH and CRF) and endothelial cell count.
• Mean CH was 11.5±1.7 mmHg, mean CRF was 11.2±1.4 mmHg, and mean endothelial cell count was 2754±205 cells/mm².

Conclusions:

• Corneal biomechanical properties are significantly associated with corneal thickness in healthy corneas.
• Endothelial cell density does not appear to correlate with corneal biomechanical properties in normal subjects.