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Central corneal endothelial cell changes over a ten-year period
W M Bourne1, L R Nelson, D O Hodge
1Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Human corneal endothelial cell density naturally declines by about 0.6% annually in adults. This longitudinal study tracked changes in cell density and morphology over a decade.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The corneal endothelium is crucial for maintaining corneal clarity.
- Understanding long-term changes in corneal endothelium is vital for predicting ocular health.
- Previous studies have provided cross-sectional data, but longitudinal data is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine longitudinal morphometric changes in the human corneal endothelium.
- To estimate the long-term cell loss rate in normal corneas.
- To assess changes in endothelial cell size and shape over time.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study re-examined 52 normal subjects after approximately 10.6 years.
- Contact specular microscopy was used to image the central corneal endothelium.
- Cell outlines were digitized to analyze cell density, polymegethism, and pleomorphism.
Main Results:
- Mean endothelial cell density decreased from 2715 to 2539 cells/mm² in adults (P < 0.001).
- The average annual cell loss rate was 0.6% +/- 0.5% in adults.
- Increased cell size variation (polymegethism) and decreased hexagonal cells (pleomorphism) were observed.
Conclusions:
- Normal human corneal endothelial cell density decreases by approximately 0.6% per year throughout adult life.
- Corneal endothelium exhibits gradual increases in polymegethism and pleomorphism with age.
- These findings provide critical longitudinal data on corneal endothelial aging.