Age-related changes in central corneal thickness in normal eyes among the adult Lithuanian population.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to estimate mean central corneal thickness (CCT) and determine whether there are any correlations between CCT, age, and sex in the adult Lithuanian population. METHODS: A total of 1,650 Caucasians of Lithuanian origin (aged 18-89 years) comprising 688 (41.7%) men and 962 (58.3%) women were examined. Subjects were stratified by age into seven groups. CCT was measured using ultrasonic pachymetry. Correlations between CCT, age, and sex were sought. RESULTS: Mean (± standard deviation) CCT for both eyes was 544.6±30.5 µm. Mean CCT was 545.2±30.5 µm in the left eye and 544.6±30.5 µm in the right eye, and was 545.0±25.6 µm in men and 544.4±33.5 µm in women. Mean CCT was 550.8±35.7 µm in subjects aged 18-29 years, 557.5±27.6 µm in those aged 30-39 years, 551.3±31.4 µm in those aged 50-59 years, 544.0±31.4 µm in those aged 50-59 years, 544.2±31.6 µm in those aged 60-79 years, 535.1±27.8 µm in those aged 70-79 years, and 530.1±16.8 µm in those aged 80-89 years. No statistically significant difference in CCT was found between the sexes (P>0.05). However, there was a significant difference in subjects aged 18-29 years; men had higher CCT than women (P<0.05). A statistically significant negative correlation was found between CCT and age (r=-0.263, P<0.05) that was stronger in men (r=-0.406, P<0.05) than in women (r=-0.118, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The mean CCT in adult Lithuanians was 544.6±30.5 µm, of the left eye 545.2±30.5 µm and of the right - 544.6±30.5 µm. CCT of the right eye was equal to the CCT of both eyes. Mean CCT was 545.0±25.6 µm in men and 544.4±33.5 µm in women. Young men tended to have higher CCT than women. CCT decreases over the lifetime, meaning that older people have thinner corneas. CCT's dependence on age is stronger in men.

Central corneal thickness and corneal endothelial characteristics in healthy, cataract, and glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe and compare endothelial cell parameters and central corneal thickness (CCT) in four different groups of patients (patients with cataract, patients with glaucoma, elderly healthy subjects, and young healthy subjects) and identify correlations between these characteristics, patient age, and sex. METHODS: Before conducting invasive procedures, 104 patients were examined using a non-contact specular microscope. Parameters examined included endothelial cell density (ECD), percentage of regular hexagonal cells (6A), average size of endothelial cells (Ave), and CCT. Patients' ages and sexes were also noted. RESULTS: A total of 47 (45%) patients were men and 57 (55%) were women. CCT, ECD, 6A, and Ave in cataract group were 540 (±64) µm, 2633 (±430) cells/mm(2), 60 (±10)%, and 390 (±66) µm, respectively; these values in the glaucoma group were 553 (±32) µm, 2484 (±82) cells/mm(2), 60 (±10)%, and 397 (±58) µm. In the elderly group these figures were 545 (± 39) µm, 2394 (±416) cells/mm(2), 64 (±10)%, and 386 (±43) µm; and in young healthy subjects the values were 555 (±43) µm, 2940 (±345) cells/mm(2), 66 (±10)%, and 345 (±42) µm. A weak inverse correlation was observed between ECD and subject age (r = -0.459; P < 0.05) and between ECD and CCT (r = 0.232; P < 0.05). CCT was inversely correlated with patient age (r = -0.13; P = 0.189), but statistically significant data was observed only for the glaucoma group (r = -0.572; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ECD in young subjects was higher than in elderly subjects in all groups; these patients have more endothelial cells and smaller, thicker corneas. The corneal endothelium cells in males have more regular hexagonal cells than do females. No difference in CCT and the ECD was observed between sexes. CCT and average size of endothelial cells do not differ between groups.

Ocular surface reconstruction using amniotic membrane following excision of conjunctival and limbal tumors.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical results of patients treated by preserved human amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) following the removal of conjunctival and limbal tumors. METHODS: Retrospective noncomparative interventional case series of 9 patients (9 eyes) who underwent AMT after removal of conjunctival and limbal tumors with lesion-free margins and perilesional cryotherapy. RESULTS: The excised tumors were histopathologically examined and included 2 squamous cell carcinomas, 2 papillomas, and 5 nevi. Bulbar conjunctiva was involved in all of the eyes, limbus and cornea in 7 and 3 eyes, respectively. The mean extent of the limbal involvement was 4 clock hours (range 2-9, SD 2.4); the average diameter of the base of the tumor was 12.8 mm (range 10-20, SD 4.4). The mean follow-up time was 38 months (range 13-60, SD 15). No surgical or early postoperative complications were observed. In all eyes, complete healing of the tissue defect occurred, resulting in a stable, wet, and noninflamed epithelium. All eyes demonstrated a smooth ocular surface except one with a clinically insignificant symblepharon after the excision of a squamous cell carcinoma. Superficial peripheral corneal vascularization and opacification as a sign of partial limbal stem cell deficiency developed in 2 eyes. In one case, a recurrence of conjunctival papilloma was diagnosed after a 3-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic membrane transplantation is an effective method of reconstruction following a conjunctival and limbal tumor excision and cryotherapy of surgical wound margins. In most cases, complete healing of an ocular surface can be achieved without any clinically significant complications.