Endothelial dysfunction decreases the ability of the endothelium to maintain normal hydration, which may lead to corneal decompensation. Corneal endothelial function is known to be affected by some ophthalmic procedures (eg., cataract surgery, intraocular lens implants, refractive keratoplasty) and in endothelial dystrophy. Clinical assessment of endothelial function would provide a means of identifying individuals at risk from certain types of ocular therapy, allow a more definitive diagnosis of early endothelial dystrophy, and provide a quantitative method for monitoring progression of the disease. A corneal physiological stress test, designed to measure the corneal swelling/deswelling response to hypoxia, will provide an Endothelial Function Index (EFI), which will be validated for use in assessing endothelial integrity and function. The EFI will be determined for normal subjects and subjects with various degrees of endothelial dystrophy to provide criteria for identifying endothelial dysfunction. The EFI for each group will be compared to measurements of endothelial cell morphology, central and peripheral corneal thickness in order to provide important data on the relationship between the structure and function of both the normal and abnormal corneal endothelium. The long-range objective is to provide an in-office test of endothelial function that can be used by (1) the ophthalmologist to identify, before intervention, those individuals at risk of corneal decompensation, (2) the physiologist as a method to measure endothelial function, and (3) the clinician to monitor changes in endothelial function that may accompany a disease process or clinical intervention.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EY004930-03
Application #
3259585
Study Section
Visual Sciences A Study Section (VISA)
Project Start
1985-09-30
Project End
1988-11-30
Budget Start
1987-09-30
Budget End
1988-11-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Berkeley
Department
Type
Schools of Optometry/Opht Tech
DUNS #
094878337
City
Berkeley
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94704
McNamara, N A; Polse, K A; Brand, R J et al. (1999) Tear mixing under a soft contact lens: effects of lens diameter. Am J Ophthalmol 127:659-65
McNamara, N A; Brand, R J; Polse, K A et al. (1998) Corneal function during normal and high serum glucose levels in diabetes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 39:3-17
Weston, B C; Bourne, W M; Polse, K A et al. (1995) Corneal hydration control in diabetes mellitus. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 36:586-95
Rivera, R K; Polse, K A (1991) Corneal response to different oxygen levels during extended wear. CLAO J 17:96-101
Polse, K A; Brand, R J; Cohen, S R et al. (1990) Hypoxic effects on corneal morphology and function. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 31:1542-54
Cohen, S R; Polse, K A; Brand, R J et al. (1990) Humidity effects on corneal hydration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 31:1282-7
Polse, K A; Brand, R; Mandell, R et al. (1989) Age differences in corneal hydration control. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 30:392-9
Mandell, R B; Polse, K A; Brand, R J et al. (1989) Corneal hydration control in Fuchs' dystrophy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 30:845-52
Bonanno, J A; Polse, K A (1987) Corneal acidosis during contact lens wear: effects of hypoxia and CO2. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 28:1514-20
Polse, K A; Sarver, M D; Kenyon, E et al. (1987) Gas permeable hard contact lens extended wear: ocular and visual responses to a 6-month period of wear. CLAO J 13:31-8

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