Effect of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor on corneal endothelial cell count and central corneal thickness in Indian population

To evaluate the effect of intravitreal anti-VEGF on corneal endothelial cell count and central corneal thickness as well as to compare these in phakic and pseudophakic eyes.

The study was conducted in 102 eyes selected, as per selection criteria, over a time period of 18 months. At first patient visit, examination included: 1. Fundus examination. 2. Specular microscopy was done to look for endothelial cell count and Central corneal thickness. At second visit, Injection 0.5 mg/0.05 ml of ranibizumab was administered. Visits at day 1, day 7 and 1 month were done for Endothelial cell density and central corneal thickness was measured by specular microscope.

The mean CCT value in pseudophakic group was 502.08 ± 19.91, 501.9 ± 20.31, and 501.72 ± 21.55 on day 1, 7 and 30, respectively. The mean CCT value in phakic group was 506.53 ± 22.61, 505.96 ± 20.12, 505.92 ± 20.3 and 505.69 ± 21.47. The mean value of ECD in pseudophakic eyes on day 1, 7, and 30 were 2284.24 ± 299.86, 2281.39 ± 289.46 and 2284.06 ± 312.65 cells/mm², respectively. The mean value of ECD in phakic eyes on day 1, 7, and 30 were 2314.51 ± 212.08, 2313.92 ± 212.7 and 2313.63 ± 216.86 cells/mm², respectively.

There is no significant change in endothelial cell density, central corneal thickness, coefficient of variation and intraocular pressure before and after intravitreal injection over one month of follow-up. The results are similar between phakic and pseudophakic eyes.