Age-wise Comparative Study of Corneal Morphometry and Histology in Human Cadavers and Its Implications for Surgical Planning and Treatment

Background:The cornea is a transparent, avascular tissue whose morphometry and microstructural characteristics undergo dynamic changes with age.Recognizing these normal age-related variations is crucial not only for optimizing ophthalmic interventions such as refractive surgery, keratoplasty, and cataract procedures, but also for establishing the cornea as a potential biomarker in systemic and neurological disorders.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional cadaveric study was conducted on 30 corneal specimens (10 fetus, 10 adults, and 10 elderly).Gross morphometry included horizontal and vertical corneal diameters (VCDs), central and peripheral thickness, and circumference, measured with digital calipers.Histological analysis was performed with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining to assess the changes. Results:The study demonstrated a progressive thinning of the central cornea with age, while the peripheral quadrants, particularly the nasal and inferior regions, showed relative thickening.The temporal quadrant revealed pronounced thinning in the elderly.Hematoxylin and eosin stain indicates structural changes from fetal to elderly stages, with progressive maturation, and degeneration across all layers.Our findings mirror with other authors studies, underscoring the reliability of postmortem morphometry in age-related corneal changes.Conclusion: Horizontal corneal diameter (HCD) guides intraocular lens (IOL) sizing and contact lens fitting; vertical diameter helps detect corneal anomalies; central thickness is key for refractive surgery and glaucoma assessment; superior and inferior thicknesses aid in biomechanical and keratoconus evaluation; nasal and temporal thicknesses assist in graft stability and peripheral assessment; corneal circumference supports surgical planning and prosthetic design.This study establishes the clinical and surgical relevance of corneal parameters for precise ophthalmic care.