The effect of 193 nm excimer laser radiation on the human corneal endothelial cell density.
The effect of 193 nm excimer laser radiation on human corneal endothelial cell density was examined. Fifty-five eyes from 35 patients underwent photorefractive keratectomy for myopia. Photomicrographs of the endothelium were taken a short time before the operation and on an average of 7 months postoperatively with a specular microscope. The average endothelial cell densities were preoperatively 3375 +/- 266 cell/mm2 (mean +/- SD) and postoperatively 3348 +/- 287 cells/mm2, corresponding to a fall of 27 cells/mm2 (N = 55). This fall in endothelial cell density was not statistically significant. A significant correlation between the change in cell density and age of the patient was found, with older patients losing more cells (N = 35, 2p < 0.05). The magnification of the specular microscope was found to change with corneal thickness. The importance of correcting the endothelial cell densities for corneal thickness is discussed.
Isager
P
P
Department of Ophthalmology, Arhus University Hospital, Denmark.
Hjortdal
J O
JO
Ehlers
N
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology; D002452:Cell Count; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D014792:Visual Acuity