Evaluation of endothelial function in postkeratoplasty eyes.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate corneal endothelium function in postkeratoplasty eyes.


METHODS
Endothelial function was assessed in 23 clear corneal grafts. After a measurable corneal edema was induced by soft contact lens wear, serial pachometric readings were taken for 3 hours to arrive at the percentage recovery per hour (PRPH) index.


RESULTS
The assessed PRPH values of the clear corneal grafts ranged from 24.6% to 73.0%, with a mean value of 51.8% +/- 12.2%. Of the six corneal grafts that demonstrated an initial PRPH value of less than 47.5%, four became edematous within 6 months of follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Assessed PRPH, as an in vivo-measured index of endothelial function, is a valuable method for monitoring endothelial function in postkeratoplasty eyes. The low PRPH index identifies eyes at risk of spontaneous nonimmunologic failures.
Saini
J S
JS
Department of Ophthalmology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India.
Mittal
S
S
Jain
A K
AK
D015715:Corneal Edema / Q000473:pathology; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000502:physiology*; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011184:Postoperative Period