ESCRS - PO262 - Assessment Of Central Corneal Thickness Using Histology Versus Indirect Methods.

Assessment Of Central Corneal Thickness Using Histology Versus Indirect Methods.

Published 2024 - 42nd Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: PO262 | Type: Poster | DOI: 10.82333/4vd9-h546

Authors: Celeste Briceno-Lopez 1 , Neus Burguera-Gimenez 1 , MªCarmen García-Domene 1 , Cristina Peris-Martínez* 2 , MªJose Luque 1 , MªAmparo Díez-Ajenjo 1

1Department of Optics and Optometry and Vision Sciences,Universitat de València,Valencia,Spain;Research,Cátedra Alcon - FOM - UVEG,Valencia,Spain, 2Anterior Segment and Cornea and External Eye Diseases ,Fundación de Oftalmología Médica,Valencia,Spain;Surgery Department,Universitat de València,Valencia,Spain

Purpose

To compare the mean central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal edema progression in ex vivo porcine eyes.

Setting

Cátedra Alcon- FSIABIO - UVEG. Foundation of Medical Ophthalmology (FOM). 

Methods

This prospective comparative study was developed with porcine eyes from the FOM. The sample comprised 107 eyes distributed into 3 groups: control, 24-hour edema (24H), and 48-hour edema (48H). The control group included 34 eyes, and the experimental groups had 35 eyes each. CCT was measured in each group using histology, Visante AS-OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc, Dublin, CA), and an OcuScan RxP Ultrasound Pachymetry (Alcon Laboratories). CCT histologic measurements were obtained from microscopic images (Leica Microscope CTR5000, Wetzlar, Germany) of corneal buttons. Physiological saline solution (0.9% Braun sodium chloride) was used throughout the experiment. USP also required the use of artificial tears and a lubricating gel.

Results

CCT comparison across three methods showed non-parametric distribution (p < 0.05). Mean CCT and deviations were computed. Kruskal-Wallis indicated significant CCT differences: Control vs. 24H (p = 0.003, H = -24.161) and Control vs. 48H (p < 0.001, H = -31.324), with no disparity between 24H and 48H. Visante and USP detected significant differences across groups. Post hoc Mann-Whitney U, with Bonferroni-adjusted α = 0.0167, found significant variances for each method, except histology between 24H and 48H. ICC analysis between histology and Visante (p < 0.001) showed moderate correlation, confirming comparability.

Conclusions

This comparative CCT study on OCT, USP, and histology over 48h corneal edema found OCT/USP superior in detecting CCT changes than histology. Despite this, histology and OCT moderately correlate, suitable for research with limitations noted. Variance in CCT measurements underscores the need for standardization and validation. Histology, vital for new technology calibration, shows less discrimination in late-stage edema. An integrated approach of histomorphometry, optical biopsy, and ultrasonic profiling is recommended for corneal analysis. Enhancing these techniques could improve diagnostics and treatment evaluation for subtle corneal changes.