Corneal endothelial cell density reduction: a complication of retinal photocoagulation with an indirect ophthalmoscopy contact lens.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the influence of retinal photocoagulation with an indirect ophthalmoscopy contact lens on corneal endothelial cells.


METHODS
Seventeen eyes of 17 patients were evaluated, and corneal endothelial cells were measured twice: just before retinal photocoagulation using an indirect ophthalmoscopy contact lens and 33.2 +/- 10.2 days after surgery.


RESULTS
A statistically significant reduction was found in corneal endothelial cell numbers before versus after surgery (P = 0.0003).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results show corneal endothelial cells to be decreased by retinal photocoagulation with an indirect ophthalmoscopy contact lens. When a patient with a low corneal endothelial cell density receives retinal photocoagulation using an indirect contact lens, it is important to be aware of the potential for further loss.
Murata
Hiroshi
H
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Kato
Satoshi
S
Fukushima
Harumi
H
Tsutsumi
Atsuko
A
Numaga
Jiro
J
Amano
Shiro
S
D002452:Cell Count; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*