Bruch´s membrane thickness in relationship to axial length

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomechanics
• Histology

Background:

• Bruch's membrane (BM) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells are crucial for retinal health and function.
• Understanding their biomechanical properties is essential for comprehending eye growth and refractive error development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between Bruch's membrane thickness, RPE cell density, and axial length in human eyes.
• To assess the potential biomechanical role of BM in emmetropization and myopization.

Main Methods:

• Histomorphometric analysis of human globes using light microscopy and digitized image analysis.
• Measurement of BM thickness and RPE cell density in various ocular regions.

Main Results:

• BM thickness was not significantly correlated with axial length in eyes without congenital glaucoma.
• RPE cell density decreased with increasing axial length in the pre- and retro-equatorial regions.
• Eyes with congenital glaucoma showed a tendency towards lower BM thickness and RPE cell density.

Conclusions:

• BM thickness is independent of axial length, unlike scleral and choroidal thickness.
• Decreased RPE cell density with axial elongation supports a biomechanical role for BM in emmetropization/myopization.