Impact Of Corneal Oedema On Uv Light Transmission: An Experimental Study In Porcine Eyes

Published 2025 - 43rd Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: PP20.11 | Type: Poster | DOI: 10.82333/0rs9-jv77

Authors: Celeste Briceno-Lopez ¹ , Mª Carmen García-Domene ¹ , Cristina Peris-Martínez* ² , Mª Jose Luque Cobija ¹ , Mª Amparo Díez-Ajenjo ¹ , Neus Burguera-Giménez ³

¹Department of Optics and Optometry and Vision Sciences,Universitat de València ,Burjassot,Spain;Cátedra Alcon- FOM- UVEG,Universitat de València ,Burjassot ,Spain, ²Anterior Segment and Cornea and External Eye Diseases Unit,Fundación de Oftalmología Médica,Valencia,Spain;Surgery department, Faculty of Medicine,Universitat de València ,Valencia,Spain, ³Department of Optics and Optometry and Vision Sciences,Universitat de València ,Burjassot,Spain

Purpose

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.

Setting

Fundación de Oftalmología Médica, Valencia, Spain.

Methods

This study included 107 porcine eyes with artificially induced 18 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.

Results

Findings indicated a significant increase in CCT in oedematous corneas at 24 and 48 hours post-extraction compared to controls, with median CCT values of 816.59 ± 139.71 μm for controls, 1022.40 ± 234.48 μm at 24 hours, and 1074.21 ± 220.83 μm at 48 hours (p < 0.001). UV transmittance (395-280 nm) decreased substantially, dropping from 50.79 ± 7.65% in controls to 43.24 ± 5.35% at 24 hours and 39.66 ± 6.51% at 48 hours (p < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between CCT and UV transmittance (ρ = -0.346, p < 0.001). Endothelial parameters showed notable changes: maximum cell area (Area_MAX) decreased at 24 and 48 hours, while endothelial cell density (ECD) increased at 24 hours.

Conclusions

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_MAX 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.