Biomaterial Database

Specular microscopic observation of human corneal epithelial abnormalities. 1991

K Tsubota, and M Yamada, and S Naoi

Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan.

The diameter of the cone lens of the specular microscope was enlarged from its original size of 3.5 mm to 6.0 mm. This modification enabled the authors to take clear pictures of the corneal epithelium with a specular microscope (SM) contact lens, because tears could be excluded from the photographic field by exerting even pressure on the cornea. The normal corneal epithelium showed three kinds of cells with no abnormally shaped or reflex cells. As spindle-shaped cells were mainly observed in keratoconus patients, post-penetrating keratoplasty patients, and postepikeratophakia patients, this suggests that these cells may be an indicator of wound healing. Large cells were observed in diabetic aphakic patients, aphakic extended-wear soft contact lens wearers, and aphakic patients using 0.5% indomethacin eye drops; thus, the presence of large cells may indicate suppressed metabolism and mitosis. Colonies of small cells were observed in keratoconjunctivitis patients. Cells with nuclei and irregular cell patterns were observed in all diseased conditions. There are several common abnormal patterns in the corneal epithelium that are observable under the specular microscope. Modified specular microscopic observation can detect these subtle alterations at the cellular level.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007213	Indomethacin	A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) that inhibits CYCLOOXYGENASE, which is necessary for the formation of PROSTAGLANDINS and other AUTACOIDS. It also inhibits the motility of POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES.	Amuno,Indocid,Indocin,Indomet 140,Indometacin,Indomethacin Hydrochloride,Metindol,Osmosin
D007640	Keratoconus	A noninflammatory, usually bilateral protrusion and thinning of the CORNEA, the apex being displaced downward and nasally. It occurs most commonly in females at about puberty. Two closely related noninflammatory corneal ectasias are pellucid marginal degeneration and keratoglobus.	Keratoglobus,Pellucid Marginal Corneal Degeneration,Pellucid Marginal Degeneration,Degeneration, Pellucid Marginal,Marginal Degeneration, Pellucid,Pellucid Marginal Degenerations
D008297	Male		Males
D008853	Microscopy	The use of instrumentation and techniques for visualizing material and details that cannot be seen by the unaided eye. It is usually done by enlarging images, transmitted by light or electron beams, with optical or magnetic lenses that magnify the entire image field. With scanning microscopy, images are generated by collecting output from the specimen in a point-by-point fashion, on a magnified scale, as it is scanned by a narrow beam of light or electrons, a laser, a conductive probe, or a topographical probe.	Compound Microscopy,Hand-Held Microscopy,Light Microscopy,Optical Microscopy,Simple Microscopy,Hand Held Microscopy,Microscopy, Compound,Microscopy, Hand-Held,Microscopy, Light,Microscopy, Optical,Microscopy, Simple
D008875	Middle Aged	An adult aged 45 - 64 years.	Middle Age
D010781	Photography	Method of making images on a sensitized surface by exposure to light or other radiant energy.	Photographies
D003263	Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic	Soft, supple contact lenses made of plastic polymers which interact readily with water molecules. Many types are available, including continuous and extended-wear versions, which are gas-permeable and easily sterilized.	Lenses, Contact, Hydrophilic,Soft Contact Lenses,Hydrophilic Contact Lens,Soft Contact Lens,Contact Lens, Hydrophilic,Contact Lens, Soft,Contact Lenses, Soft,Hydrophilic Contact Lenses,Lens, Hydrophilic Contact,Lens, Soft Contact,Lenses, Hydrophilic Contact,Lenses, Soft Contact
D003315	Cornea	The transparent anterior portion of the fibrous coat of the eye consisting of five layers: stratified squamous CORNEAL EPITHELIUM; BOWMAN MEMBRANE; CORNEAL STROMA; DESCEMET MEMBRANE; and mesenchymal CORNEAL ENDOTHELIUM. It serves as the first refracting medium of the eye. It is structurally continuous with the SCLERA, avascular, receiving its nourishment by permeation through spaces between the lamellae, and is innervated by the ophthalmic division of the TRIGEMINAL NERVE via the ciliary nerves and those of the surrounding conjunctiva which together form plexuses. (Cline et al., Dictionary of Visual Science, 4th ed)	Corneas
D003316	Corneal Diseases	Diseases of the cornea.	Corneal Disease,Disease, Corneal,Diseases, Corneal
D004848	Epithelium	The layers of EPITHELIAL CELLS which cover the inner and outer surfaces of the cutaneous, mucus, and serous tissues and glands of the body.	Mesothelium,Epithelial Tissue,Mesothelial Tissue,Epithelial Tissues,Mesothelial Tissues,Tissue, Epithelial,Tissue, Mesothelial,Tissues, Epithelial,Tissues, Mesothelial