Related Experiment Videos
The infant corneal endothelium
L Speedwell1, P Novakovic, E S Sherrard
1Institute of Child Health, London, England.
Insights
Specular microscopy in infants revealed a regular corneal endothelium mosaic. Cell density varied, decreasing in the first year possibly due to corneal growth, not cell loss, with unclear evidence of endothelial mitoses.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The corneal endothelium is crucial for maintaining corneal clarity.
- Understanding endothelial cell development in infants is vital for predicting long-term corneal health.
- Previous studies on infant corneal endothelium are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the in vivo corneal endothelium in infants under one year old.
- To assess changes in endothelial cell density and morphology during early development.
- To investigate the potential mechanisms behind observed changes in cell density.
Main Methods:
- Specular microscopy was performed on 48 eyes of 31 healthy infants (<1 year old).
- Corneal endothelial cell density and morphology were analyzed.
- Follow-up examinations were conducted on five eyes to track changes over time.
Main Results:
- A regular mosaic of small endothelial cells was observed in all infants.
- Significant variation in cell population density was noted among individuals.
- A reduction in cell population density was observed during the first year of life.
- Morphologic signs suggestive of endothelial mitoses were present but inconclusive.
Conclusions:
- Infant corneal endothelium exhibits a regular mosaic pattern.
- The observed decrease in cell density during infancy is likely attributable to corneal growth rather than true cell loss.
- Further research is needed to definitively confirm the presence and role of endothelial mitoses in infant corneal development.
Abstract:
Specular microscopy of the in vivo corneal endothelium of 48 clinically normal eyes of 31 infants less than 1 year old revealed a regular mosaic of small cells. The cell population density of individuals varied greatly, as it does in age-related adults. Reexamination of five eyes indicated a reduction of the cell population density during the first year. This change could be accounted for by corneal growth in the absence of endothelial mitoses and not necessarily by true cell loss. There were morphologic indications of mitoses, but their interpretation is open to doubt.