Background: The study was carried out to compare corneal endothelial permeability and aqueous flow values of healthy volunteers measured in different countries with identical fluorophotometers using a standardized protocol.
Method: Healthy volunteers aged between 20 and 70 years were studied in five European cities. Fluorescence scans of the anterior segment of both eyes were made using a commercial fluorophotometer. Beginning 4 h after instillation of four drops of fluorescein 10%, 12 scans of the anterior segment of each eye were performed in 2 h. The values of corneal endothelial permeability and aqueous flow were calculated with standardized software from the decay of the fluorescein concentration in the cornea and anterior chamber.
Results: The mean permeability values (x 10(-4) cm.min-1) +/- SD were 3.7 +/- 1.6 (n = 19; Coimbra, Portugal), 4.3 +/- 1.1 (n = 19; Frankfurt, Germany), 3.9 +/- 0.9 (n = 19; Leiden, The Netherlands) and 5.4 +/- 1.2 (n = 10; Milan, Italy). The values were not significantly different (ANOVA, P > 0.3), except those in Milan. The mean flow values (microliters.min-1) +/- SD were 2.3 +/- 0.9 (n = 17; Coimbra), 1.9 +/- 0.7 (n = 10; Cologne, Germany), 2.6 +/- 1.2 (n = 19; Frankfurt), 2.0 +/- 0.6 (n = 19; Leiden) and 1.7 +/- 0.8 (n = 10; Milan). The values were not significantly different (Kruskal-Wallis test, P > 0.1).
Conclusions: Permeability and flow values in the different cities had similar values and standard deviations. The Concerted Action demonstrated the usefulness of a standardized protocol.