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Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Full-Field Optical Coherence Microscopy for Histology-Like Analysis of Stromal Features in Corneal Grafts
Published on: October 21, 2022
Age related changes seen in human cornea in formalin fixed sections and on biomicroscopy in living subjects: A
Samanta Taurone1, Selenia Miglietta2, Marialuisa Spoletini3
1IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
The purpose of our experimental research was to assess the effects of aging on the main corneal structures in healthy corneas. Small, human cornea samples were collected from 20 Caucasian subjects during surgery for traumatic lesions to the eye. Ten subjects were adults (mean age 28 years) and 10 were elderly (mean age 76 years). Morphological analysis was carried out using light microscopy and electron microscopy. Another 40 patients (20 young: mean age < 30 years; 20 elderly: mean age > 70 years) were studied in vivo by confocal microscopy. The resulting images were analyzed qualitatively, quantitatively, and statistically. The basic light microscope revealed a decrease in endothelial cell density with age accompanied by an increase in endothelial cell size. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a corneal thinning and a decrease in the number of corneal stromal cells. A marked decrease in stromal nerve fibers was observed in the older subjects compared to the younger ones. Variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VP-SEM) was used to make surface morphological observations and to determine the chemical composition of in vivo hydrated human corneas. Our results showed the effects of aging on normal corneal morphology highlighting the structural diversity of the corneal layers and revealing an age-related reduction in nerve fibers, thus explaining the decreased corneal sensitivity that may be observed in the elderly. Clin. Anat. 33:245-256, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insights
Aging significantly impacts corneal structure, reducing endothelial cell density and corneal nerve fibers. This study investigated age-related changes in human corneas using advanced microscopy techniques.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- The aging process affects various bodily tissues, including the cornea.
- Understanding age-related corneal changes is crucial for diagnosing and managing eye conditions in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of aging on the main structural components of healthy human corneas.
- To correlate morphological changes with potential functional alterations, such as corneal sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Morphological analysis of human cornea samples using light microscopy and electron microscopy (transmission and VP-SEM).
- In vivo confocal microscopy was performed on young and elderly subjects.
- Quantitative and qualitative analysis of cellular density, cell size, stromal nerve fibers, and corneal thickness.
Main Results:
- Aging led to a decrease in corneal endothelial cell density and an increase in cell size.
- Corneal thinning and a reduction in stromal cell numbers were observed with age.
- A significant decrease in stromal nerve fibers was noted in older subjects, correlating with reduced corneal sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Aging induces significant structural modifications in the cornea, affecting endothelial cells, stromal cells, and nerve fibers.
- The observed reduction in corneal nerve fibers with age may explain decreased corneal sensitivity in the elderly.
- These findings highlight the structural diversity of corneal layers and their susceptibility to age-related changes.
