Histological Findings of Rabbit Cornea Produced by an Orthokeratology Lens

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:To report the topographical epithelial changes histologically after the use of orthokeratology lens (ortho–K lens) in rabbit cornea. Methods:An ortho–K lens (target reduction; –3.0 diopter) was continuously inserted into right eyes of white rabbits. Eyes were enucleated after 4 weeks, and served to histological examination using hematoxylin–eosin staining and electron microscopic study. Left eyes were used as controls. Results:Panoramic view of cornea showed apparent topographical changes of epithelial thickness corresponding to portions of Ortho–K lens. In the area that corresponds to the base curve zone, epithelial layers showed almost normal configuration. In the reverse curve zone, epithelium was thick with 7 to 9 layers. Epithelial layers were thinnest in the alignment curve zone. Electron microscopic study revealed slightly increased proteoglycans in deep stroma at the center. Epithelial cells in any area showed no abnormal staining pattern. Conclusions: Continuous wear of Ortho–K lens gives topographical epithelial changes in thickness.

Keywords: contact lens • cornea: epithelium • pathology: experimental