Corneal Nerve Migration Rate in a Healthy Control Population

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Cell Biology

Background:

• The corneal subbasal nerve plexus is crucial for corneal sensation and health.
• Understanding normative values and influencing factors of corneal nerve migration is vital for diagnosing and monitoring neuropathies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the age-dependent normative range of corneal subbasal nerve plexus migration rate.
• To identify factors affecting corneal nerve migration in healthy individuals.

Main Methods:

• Corneal nerve migration rate was measured using laser-scanning confocal microscopy in 60 healthy participants aged 20-79 years.
• Nerve landmarks were identified at baseline and after 3 weeks, with migration calculated using specialized software.
• Participants were categorized into three age groups (20-39, 40-59, 60-79 years).

Main Results:

• The average corneal nerve migration rate was consistent across all age groups (approximately 42.0 μm/wk) and showed no significant difference between males and females.
• Age, sex, smoking, alcohol use, and body mass index did not significantly correlate with corneal nerve migration rate.
• Higher exercise frequency showed a significant positive correlation with corneal nerve migration rate.

Conclusions:

• Corneal nerve migration rate is stable in healthy adults, irrespective of age, sex, or BMI.
• Physical activity levels are a significant factor influencing corneal nerve migration rate.
• These findings establish normative data and highlight the role of lifestyle in maintaining corneal nerve health.