Age-related changes of the corneal endothelium: a mathematical principle that determines tissue aging and body aging

Abstract

As shown by numerous clinical observations, the condition of the posterior epithelium (endothelial monolayer) of the cornea is a leading factor determining its functional qualities as a whole, which has found practical application. In this regard, when selecting a donor cornea for keratoplasty, ophthalmologists focus on the density of endothelial cells as the main indicator of the age-related wear-out of this tissue. It is also taken into account that corneal endothelial cells are not renewed throughout life, and their number only decreases from birth to death. Aim. Based on the analysis of the number (density) of corneal endothelial cells, it was constructed a graph of aging (loss of viability) of this tissue and compare it with the well-known real mathematical model of aging proposed by B. Gompertz for the body as a whole.