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Progressive corneal endothelial cell changes in anterior segment disease.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Ophthalmology
|February 1, 1987
Summary
Corneal endothelial cells are significantly altered in patients with ocular anterior segment diseases like heterochromic cyclitis and pseudoexfoliation. These changes impact cell count and morphology, highlighting the importance of iris circulation for corneal health.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Science
- Anterior Segment Disease
Background:
- Ocular anterior segment diseases can affect corneal endothelium integrity.
- Conditions such as chronic cyclitis, pseudoexfoliation, and pigment dispersal syndrome present unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and characterize the changes in corneal endothelium associated with specific anterior segment diseases.
- To identify factors contributing to endothelial cell alterations in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Observational study comparing corneal endothelial cell counts and morphology.
- Analysis of patients with heterochromic cyclitis, pseudoexfoliation, and pigment dispersal syndrome.
- Correlation of endothelial changes with intraocular pressure and iris vascular status.
Main Results:
- Heterochromic cyclitis showed the most striking changes: reduced endothelial cell counts (p<0.01) and altered morphology, with endothelial blebs observed.
- Pseudoexfoliation cases presented lower cell counts, pleomorphism, and polymegathism, more pronounced with elevated intraocular pressure (p<0.01).
- Pigment dispersal syndrome exhibited a smaller cell count reduction (p<0.05) and mild morphological changes.
Conclusions:
- Corneal endothelial cell damage is evident in various anterior segment diseases.
- Iris hypoperfusion, neovascularization, bleb formation, and elevated intraocular pressure are key factors.
- Maintaining normal iris circulation is crucial for preserving corneal endothelial integrity.