title: [Pathologically reduced endothelial cell number despite normal slit-lamp microscopic corneal findings. An important result before cataract surgery].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A reduced number of endothelial cells increases the risk of corneal decompensation after cataract surgery. It is difficult to quantify the number of endothelial cells using slit-lamp microscopy since normal corneas may also show a reduced number of endothelial cells.
  
  
  METHODS
  We compared the number of endothelial cells pre- and postoperatively in a group of 500 consecutive patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Corneas diagnosed preoperatively with corneae guttata by slit-lamp microscopy may reveal more than 1800 endothelial cells/mm2. These corneas may decompensate after surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We consider the routine use of endothelial microscopy to be a helpful diagnostic tool prior to cataract surgery.
authors.affiliation: Augenklinik Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lechner
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schweig
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rieck
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Anders
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hartmann
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D002452:Cell Count; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology