Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2025
Full-Field Optical Coherence Microscopy for Histology-Like Analysis of Stromal Features in Corneal Grafts
Published on: October 21, 2022
Corneal Epithelial Cell Density Is Reduced in Young Adults With Conjunctival Ultraviolet Autofluorescence
Pradipta Bhattacharya1, Katie Edwards1, Damien Harkin2
1School of Optometry and Vision Science, Centre for Vision and Eye Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; and.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure on the corneal microstructure using conjunctival UV autofluorescence (CUVAF) as a marker of exposure.
Methods:
Young healthy adults aged 18 to 35 years were recruited. Participant's demographics and sun exposure behavior were recorded using questionnaires. Images of the bulbar conjunctiva from the right eye were captured and analyzed for the CUVAF area. Corneal microstructure was assessed by in vivo confocal microscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The presence of palisades of Vogt in all 4 limbal quadrants was recorded.
Results:
CUVAF was observed in 31 of 52 eyes (60%), with a mean (±SD) nasal, temporal, and total CUVAF area of 5.39 ± 4.16 mm 2 , 4.29 ± 4.27 mm 2 , and 9.67 ± 7.01 mm 2 , respectively. Individuals with CUVAF were significantly more likely to report undertaking moderate-intensity to high-intensity outdoor exercise ( P = 0.021). Individuals with CUVAF were less likely to have visible nasal and temporal palisades of Vogt ( P = 0.011). Corneal basal cell densities anterior to the nerve whorl ( P < 0.001) and nasally ( P = 0.005) were lower in individuals with CUVAF. Wing cell density anterior to the nerve whorl was lower in individuals with CUVAF ( P = 0.011). No significant changes in the central and limbal corneal epithelial thickness were observed.
Conclusions:
Significant reductions in corneal epithelial cell density were observed in individuals with CUVAF, a biomarker of chronic UV exposure. This observation suggests that chronic UV exposure is damaging to the corneal microstructure.
