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Diurnal variation in corneal endothelial morphology
Ophthalmology
|October 1, 1984
Summary
Low oxygen levels, like those from wearing an eye patch, cause temporary changes in the corneal endothelium. This finding raises concerns about the long-term safety of extended contact lens wear.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Physiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Transient corneal endothelial changes are early indicators of low oxygen exposure in animal models.
- Similar endothelial alterations have been observed following both hard and soft contact lens use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of short-term, low-oxygen conditions on the normal corneal endothelium.
- To assess the potential link between eyelid closure-induced anoxia and observable endothelial cell changes.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing wide-field specular microscopy to examine the corneal endothelium.
- Applying a light eye patch for 12 hours to induce a controlled low-oxygen environment.
Main Results:
- Widespread, transient changes in the corneal endothelium were detected after 12 hours of eye patching.
- These changes are attributed to relative anoxia caused by eyelid closure during sleep.
Conclusions:
- Normal sleep involving eyelid closure can induce observable changes in the corneal endothelium due to relative anoxia.
- The findings prompt further investigation into the safety of prolonged extended-wear contact lenses and their potential impact on age-related endothelial cell density reduction and cornea guttata.