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Evaluation of Irradiated Corneas Using Scatterometry and Light and Electron Microscopy
Shameema Sikder1, Russell L McCally, Christoph Engler
1From the *Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD; †Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD; and ‡National Eye Bank Center, Tissue Banks International, Memphis, TN.
Sterilization of donor corneas by irradiation significantly increases light scatter, affecting corneal tissue histology and ultrastructure. Further research is needed to determine the impact on visual function for corneal rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Donor cornea quality is crucial for successful transplantation.
- Sterilization methods must preserve corneal integrity and optical properties.
- Irradiation is a potential sterilization technique requiring evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of irradiation sterilization on donor cornea optical, histologic, and ultrastructural characteristics.
- To determine if irradiation-induced changes impact potential visual function.
Main Methods:
- Blinded assessment of 10 irradiated and 10 nonirradiated donor corneas using a scatterometer.
- Objective measurement of backscattered corneal light.
- Light and transmission electron microscopy for histologic and ultrastructural analysis.
Main Results:
- Irradiated corneas exhibited significantly higher light scatter compared to nonirradiated controls (P = 0.0001).
- Histology revealed epithelial attenuation and superficial stromal clefting in irradiated corneas.
- Ultrastructural analysis showed similar fibril diameter but altered interfibrillar distance in the superficial stroma.
Conclusions:
- Irradiation sterilization increases corneal light scatter, independent of corneal thickness.
- Changes in corneal epithelium and superficial stroma are observed post-irradiation.
- Stromal changes, not epithelial, may impact visual function in corneal rehabilitation; further investigation is warranted.
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