[Corneal endothelial cell density following strabismus surgery]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Ophthalmic Surgery
• Corneal Physiology

Background:

• Short-term effects of eye muscle surgery on the blood-aqueous barrier are documented.
• Long-term effects on anterior segment oxygen supply remain less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term effects of eye muscle surgery on the anterior segment's oxygen supply.
• To determine corneal endothelial cell density (CECD) as an indicator of oxygenation.

Main Methods:

• Corneal endothelial cell density (CECD) was measured using specular microscopy in 32 patients.
• Patients underwent unilateral rectus muscle surgery (primary or revision).
• CECD was assessed pre- and postoperatively with a mean follow-up of 5 months.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant intraocular difference in CECD was observed pre- or postoperatively.
• Mean CECD values showed no significant change.
• Subgroup analyses for revision surgery and vertical recti surgery also revealed no significant differences.

Conclusions:

• Corneal endothelial cell density indicates no chronic decrease in oxygen supply to the anterior segment after eye muscle surgery.
• Complex eye muscle surgeries do not appear to compromise long-term corneal endothelial health regarding oxygenation.