Specular microscopy of the corneal endothelium after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy

J Cataract Refract Surg. 1996 Mar;22(2):188-93. doi: 10.1016/s0886-3350(96)80217-3.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate endothelial cell morphology and density after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

Methods: We used a noncontact specular microscope to examine the central corneal endothelium of 50 eyes of 50 patients who had PRK for an attempted correction between -2.5 and -17.0 diopters (D) (mean -7.8 D) beginning 18 to 24 hours postoperatively.

Results: After a follow-up of 11.4 +/- 6.1 months (mean +/- standard deviation), mean endothelial cell density was 2577.6 +/- 402.0 cells/mm2 with rare signs of polymegathism and pleomorphism. Preoperative and untreated fellow eye endothelial cell density values were used as a control. Paired Student's t-test and analysis of variance results were not significant (P > .05).

Conclusion: Excimer laser PRK did not significantly change cell density and morphology.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cell Count
  • Cornea / surgery*
  • Endothelium, Corneal / cytology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lasers, Excimer
  • Male
  • Microscopy
  • Middle Aged
  • Myopia / surgery*
  • Photorefractive Keratectomy*