Monitoring changes in the eyes - the significance of the post-mortem interval in asphyxia

The aim of our research was to determine the progression of postmortem ocular changes, focusing on the retina and sclera, over a specified time period and to assess whether these changes are influenced by environmental or physiological factors. Twelve Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups based on postmortem interval (PMI): immediate autopsy (control), 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. The mechanism of death was asphyxia by hanging. Each eye sample was macroscopically and microscopically monitored for retinal and scleral changes depending on the PMI and eye exposure (open vs. closed). The most pronounced ocular changes were observed at the longest PMI, including complete loss of retinal stratification, degeneration of ganglion cells, and infiltration by mononuclear inflammatory cells. Similar degenerative changes were observed in the scleral epithelium, particularly in open eyes. This experimental model provides a foundational framework for studying postmortem ocular changes, particularly in the retina and sclera, and may enhance the accuracy of PMI estimation in forensic investigations.