2316 Changes in the human corneal keratocyte and endothelial cell density during aging and during corneal dystrophies

i?&bQ!k A total of 200 normal human corneas (age: 6 months 92 years) were collected among bodies intended for autopsy. Pathological comeal buttons were obtained from patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus, Fuchs’ end&&xl dyamphy, postcataract endothelial dystrophy, and others. The keratocyte density was assessed using a quantitative meawem eat of the stmmal DNA-content. The endothelial cell density was counted after alitin staining. Besults: The cellularity of normal human corneas varied as timction of age. Significant differences in the cellularity of comeal dystrophies were observed when cornoared to aae-matched controls.