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Corneal endothelial permeability and aqueous humor flow using a standard protocol

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Abstract

⊎ Background: The study was carried out to compare corneal endothelial permeability and aqueous flow values of healthy volunteers measured in different countries with identical fluorophotometers using a standardized protocol. ⊎ Method: Healthy volunteers aged between 20 and 70 years were studied in five European cities. Fluorescence scans of the anterior segment of both eyes were made using a commercial fluorophotometer. Beginning 4 h after instillation of four drops of fluorescein 10%, 12 scans of the anterior segment of each eye were performed in 2 h. The values of corneal endothelial permeability and aqueous flow were calculated with standardized software from the decay of the fluorescein concentration in the cornea and anterior chamber. Results: The mean permeability values (× 10−4 cm·min−1)±SD were 3.7-1.6 (n=19; Coimbra, Portugal), 4.3-1.1 (n=19; Frankfurt, Germany), 3.9±0.9 (n=19; Leiden, The Netherlands) and 5.4±1.2 (n=10; Milan, Italy). The values were not significantly different (ANOVA, P>0.3), except those in Milan. The mean flow values (μl·min−1) ±SD were 2.3±0.9 (n=17; Coimbra), 1.9±0.7 (n=10; Cologne, Germany), 2.6±1.2 (n=19; Frankfurt), 2.0±0.6 (n=19; Leiden) and 1.7±0.8 (n=10; Milan). The values were not significantly different (Kruskal-Wallis test, P>0.1). ⊎ Conclusions: Permeability and flow values in the different cities had similar values and standard deviations. The Concerted Action demonstrated the usefulness of a standardized protocol.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Building 1, J3-233, University Hospital, Rijnsburgerweg 10, 2333, AA Leiden, The Netherlands

    Jaap A. van Best

  2. University Eye Hospital, Cologne, Germany

    Michael Diestelhorst

  3. Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Coimbra, Portugal

    Eugenio Leite

  4. Clinica Oculistica, University di Milano, H.S. Raffaele, Milan, Italy

    Sergio Fantaguzzi

  5. Department of Ophthalmology, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany

    Rainer Schalnus

Authors
  1. Jaap A. van Best
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  2. Michael Diestelhorst
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  3. Eugenio Leite
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  4. Sergio Fantaguzzi
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  5. Rainer Schalnus
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Additional information

Concerted Action supported in part by the European Commission, on ‘Ocular Fluorometry: Standardization and Instrumentation Development’ of the 4th European Community Medical and Health Research Programme (No. MR 4*/0314/P).

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van Best, J.A., Diestelhorst, M., Leite, E. et al. Corneal endothelial permeability and aqueous humor flow using a standard protocol. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 233, 582–591 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00404710

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00404710

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