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Corneal endothelial cell density and pterygium: a cross-sectional study
Hugo Coelho Carvalho Sousa1, Ludmila Nascimento Pinto Silva1, Patrick Frensel Tzelikis1,2
1Cornea and External Disease Department, Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal, Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
Arquivos Brasileiros De Oftalmologia
|November 22, 2017
Summary
Unilateral pterygium reduces corneal endothelial cell density. This study found lower cell counts in affected eyes compared to unaffected eyes, with greater pterygium invasion correlating with lower density.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Pterygium is a common ocular condition affecting the cornea.
- The impact of pterygium on corneal endothelial cells requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of unilateral pterygium on corneal endothelial cell density.
- To assess associated changes in cell morphology and corneal thickness.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 61 patients with unilateral pterygium.
- Noncontact specular microscopy performed on both eyes of each patient.
- Corneal endothelial cell density, cell size variation, hexagonality, and pachymetry were measured.
Main Results:
- Corneal endothelial cell density was significantly lower in pterygium-affected eyes compared to contralateral control eyes (p=0.04).
- A significant negative linear relationship was found between the extent of pterygium invasion and endothelial cell density (r=-0.553, p<0.001).
- No significant differences were observed in cell size variation, hexagonality, or corneal pachymetry.
Conclusions:
- Unilateral pterygium is associated with a reduction in corneal endothelial cell density.
- The degree of corneal invasion by pterygium correlates with the loss of endothelial cells.
