Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate an alternative method to assess the viability of human eyes in an ocular anterior segment perfusion system. We hypothesize that endothelial cell function is a good indicator of the overall viability of the anterior segment and indirectly of the trabecular meshwork. Methods: Anterior segments were dissected from human eyes according to standard methods, mounted into perfusion chambers and perfused at a flow rate of 2.5 µl/min.. Serial ultrasound pachymetry measurements were obtained pre–perfusion (i.e.: on the whole eye) and at 24, 48 and 72 hours on the anterior segment after start of perfusion as a way to assess endothelial function. Results: Average pre–perfusion corneal thickness was 829 microns and average corneal thickness at 72 hours was 733 microns (n=3). All segments saw a decrease in corneal thickness with time, which ranged from a minimum change of 28 microns to a maximum change of 313 microns. Conclusions: As demonstrated by a decrease in corneal thickness, results indicate a recovery of endothelial function with time in a human ocular anterior segment perfusion system. This simple method may prove useful to assess the viability of the anterior segments while still in the perfusion system.
Keywords: anterior segment • cornea: endothelium • aqueous