Effect of longitudinal and torsional ultrasound on corneal endothelial cells: experimental study in rabbit eyes

Abstract

A study using live rabbits, with subsequent analysis of excised corneas stained with trypan blue/alizarin red, showed that torsional ultrasound led to less corneal endothelial cell damage than classical longitudinal ultrasound.

Effect of simulated lenticular debris on corneal endothelial cells: experimental study in rabbit eyes

“…The second study in this experiment series evaluated the effects of ultrasound energy on the corneal endothelium. 11 We compared longitudinal and torsional ultrasound. Both types of ultrasound caused CEC damage and loss; however, torsional ultrasound was found to cause significantly less CEC damage/loss.…”

“…Our previous study using this rabbit model with corneal staining did confirm, nevertheless, that torsional ultrasound was significantly associated with less CEC damage/loss in comparison with longitudinal ultrasound. 11…”

“…The second study evaluated the effect of ultrasound energy, which is another factor implicated in CEC damage/ loss. 11 Longitudinal and torsional ultrasound were compared. After 30 seconds of phacoemulsification, the torsional group demonstrated less CEC loss.…”

Reply: Effect of longitudinal and torsional ultrasound on corneal endothelial cells: experimental study in rabbit eyes

“…Cleaning LECs is unlikely to be the root cause of this condition: The pathological features of the 10 cases described included the following: an absence or paucity of secondary proliferation of LECs and fibrotic changes, yet 5 of the specimens analyzed had LECs on the inner surface of the capsule. 1 Since the capsule is a basement membrane secreted by LECs, there are trophic effects, and LECs may contribute to structural capsular integrity through direct capsular interaction or through production of protective factors. 3,4 Yan et al demonstrate that individual components of the highly specialized basement membrane of the capsular bag regulate specific biological activities-and, in fact, direct the LECs, not the other way around.…”

“…Control group issues: It is questionable as to whether the control group of pseudoexfoliation cases is appropriate since this is a prevalent, systemic, age-related condition with an association with a strong genetic component involving dysregulated tissue expression of the lysyl oxidase-like 1 gene. 1,2 There are many clinical and histopathological changes in pseudoexfoliation compared with normal eyes that could confuse comparisons.…”