Briceno-Lopez Celeste, García-Domene Mª Carmen, Peris-Martínez Cristina, Luque-Cobija Mª Jose, Díez-Ajenjo Mª Amparo, Burguera-Giménez Neus
Department of Optics and Optometry and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Physics, Universitat de València, Dr. Moliner, 50, Burjassot, E-46100 Valencia, Spain.
Cátedra Alcon-FOM-UVEG, Universitat de València, Dr. Moliner, 50, E-46100 Burjassot, Spain.
J Clin Med. 2024 Nov 28;13(23):7228. doi: 10.3390/jcm13237228.
Corneal oedema is known for changing the cornea's optical properties, particularly its ability to transmit ultraviolet (UV) light, which is crucial for visual clarity and eye health. This study explores how changes in corneal thickness in oedematous states affect UV light transmission. This study included 107 porcine eyes with artificially induced corneal oedema. Corneal thickness (CCT) was measured histologically, UV transmittance was assessed using a UV/VIS spectrometer, and endothelial cell parameters were evaluated with specular microscopy. Statistical analyses included the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman's correlation. The findings indicated a significant increase in CCT in oedematous corneas at 24 and 48 h post extraction compared to controls, with median CCT values of 816.59 ± 139.71 μm for controls, 1022.40 ± 234.48 μm at 24 h, and 1074.21 ± 220.83 μm at 48 h ( < 0.001). UV transmittance (395-280 nm) decreased substantially, dropping from 50.79 ± 7.65% in controls to 43.24 ± 5.35% at 24 h and 39.66 ± 6.51% at 48 h ( < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between CCT and UV transmittance (ρ = -0.346, < 0.001). Endothelial parameters showed notable changes: maximum cell area (Area) decreased at 24 and 48 h, while endothelial cell density (ECD) increased at 24 h. Our study found a substantial inverse link between CCT and UV light transmission in oedematous corneas, highlighting the importance of UV protection, especially in individuals who are prone to recurrent oedema. Changes in CCT and endothelial measures, such as Area and ECD, are useful signs of corneal integrity. However, the study's small sample size and potential tissue modifications during processing need more research with bigger, in vivo samples to corroborate these findings and improve therapeutic use.
角膜水肿以改变角膜的光学特性而闻名,尤其是其透射紫外线(UV)的能力,这对视觉清晰度和眼睛健康至关重要。本研究探讨水肿状态下角膜厚度的变化如何影响紫外线的透射。该研究纳入了107只人工诱导角膜水肿的猪眼。通过组织学方法测量角膜厚度(CCT),使用紫外可见光谱仪评估紫外线透射率,并通过镜面显微镜评估内皮细胞参数。统计分析包括Kruskal-Wallis检验、Mann-Whitney U检验和Spearman相关性分析。研究结果表明,与对照组相比,提取后24小时和48小时水肿角膜的CCT显著增加,对照组的CCT中位数为816.59±139.71μm,24小时时为1022.40±234.48μm,48小时时为1074.21±220.83μm(P<0.001)。紫外线透射率(395 - 280nm)大幅下降,从对照组的50.79±7.65%降至24小时时的43.24±5.35%和48小时时的39.66±6.51%(P<0.001)。CCT与紫外线透射率之间存在显著负相关(ρ = -0.346,P<0.001)。内皮细胞参数显示出明显变化:最大细胞面积(Area)在24小时和48小时时减小,而内皮细胞密度(ECD)在24小时时增加。我们的研究发现水肿角膜的CCT与紫外线透射之间存在显著的负相关,突出了紫外线防护的重要性,尤其是对于容易复发水肿的个体。CCT以及内皮细胞测量指标(如Area和ECD)的变化是角膜完整性的有用指标。然而,该研究的样本量较小以及处理过程中可能存在的组织改变,需要用更大的体内样本进行更多研究以证实这些发现并改善治疗应用。