Deturgescence

Deturgescence is the process by which a material or tissue returns toward a non-swollen, optically uniform state by removing excess water or solvent, thereby reducing turbidity and swelling. The term is used in several disciplines with related ideas but different details.

In ophthalmology, deturgescence refers to the maintenance of corneal transparency through controlled dehydration of the stroma. The corneal endothelium pumps ions to create an osmotic gradient that drives water out of the stroma, keeping it relatively dehydrated. Disruption of deturgescence can cause corneal edema and haziness. Clinically, hypertonic saline and other osmotic agents may be used to promote deturgescence in edematous corneas.

In polymer science and materials engineering, deturgescence describes the return of a swollen polymer or hydrogel to its original dimensions after removal of solvent or uptake of non-solvent. This is important for achieving dimensional stability, mechanical properties, and reproducible performance in gels, coatings, and adhesives.

In histology and microscopy, dehydration steps are used during specimen preparation to decrease water content and minimize light scattering, an application of deturgescent principles to improve optical clarity.

Counterpart concepts include swelling, osmotic dehydration, and refractive-index matching. The term deturgescence emphasizes the idea of attaining a clearer, less swollen state.