[Quantitative control of the function of the corneal endothelium by fluorophotometry in the anterior eye segment]

Whereas specular microscopy yields mostly qualitative information, fluorophotometry furnishes quantitative data of endothelial cell function. Determination of fluorescein permeability of the endothelial cell layer reflects the function of the endothelial barrier. Following topical application of fluorescein, the time-dependent change in the fluorescein concentration in corneal stroma and aqueous yields the transfer coefficient (Kc) of the corneal endothelium. With the Fluorotron Master, Kc was 3.77 +/- 0.57 X 10(-3)/min. for normal eyes; patients with cornea guttata or Fuchs's dystrophy had a significantly higher transfer coefficient (Kc = 7.9 +/- 2.88 X 10(-3)/min.). Normal Kc values were found 6-63 months (average 33.5 months) after phacoemulsification with implantation of a posterior chamber lens.