[Cell density of the corneal endothelium following cataract surgery]

Endothelial cell loss following extracapsular cataract extraction and implantation of a posterior chamber lens was studied and the influence of various factors analyzed. In 56 eyes, the mean reduction in cell density in the superior zone of the cornea was 19%. In the eyes with epithelial edema endothelial damage was more severe than average. Lower cell density was also found in particular in patients over 75 years old and those with pre-existing cornea guttata. In contrast, preexisting glaucoma, a history of corneal trauma, and, astonishingly, the surgeon's experience had no detectable influence on endothelial cell damage.