Behavior of corneal endothelial density over a lifetime

To define a behavioral model of corneal endothelial density over a lifetime, determine its values, construct a graphic representation, and show the probabilities of occurrence using modified prognosis ranges.

A private clinic in Brazil.

This retrospective study comprised 784 corneal specular microscopy examinations without regard to race, sex, or age and without a history or pathologies that would alter the endothelium. Endothelial density results were grouped by decades according to patient age. Projections of mean densities and standard deviations by decade were calculated by adjusting the model by variable. The probability of occurrence of the endothelial densities was calculated (P <.05).

The endothelial density over time followed a decreasing linear model (correlation coefficient -0.993). As the endothelial density decreased, the standard deviation tended to increase. The probability of occurrence of an endothelial density of less than 2000 cells/mm(2) was higher from the seventh decade on.

Knowing the representative values of endothelial density and the probabilities of occurrence over a lifetime can help surgeons determine the risk to the cornea of anterior segment surgery. It can also be useful in following eyes with disease affecting the endothelium and in preparing and evaluating corneal specular microscopy reports.