A new corneal layer was identified before Descemet's membrane.
A new, well-defined, acellular layer of the cornea was identified before Descemet's membrane.
Its thickness is 10.15±3.6 microns and it is composed of 5 to 8 lamellae, made up of predominantly type 1 collagen bands. It is called DUA, after the name of its discoverer Prof. Harmnider Dua of the University of Nottingham (England), who led a study in which the BB (Big Bubble) technique was used to inject air into the stroma (no. 4) and sclerocorneal discs (no. 21) of donor eyeballs. The tissue findings were subjected to histological examination.
The results obtained, which lead to a redefinition of the corneal anatomy, could prove to be very important for corneal transplants, as the authors claim that it is precisely the infiltration of fluid in this layer that could be the cause of corneal oedema. Furthermore, it will be possible to better understand corneal biomechanisms and posterior corneal pathologies such as pre-Descemet's dystrophies.
See the article published in the issue of Ophthalmology of May 2013.
Dr. Carmelo Chines
Direttore responsabile
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