Endothelial cell loss in penetrating keratoplasty

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Science
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is a common corneal transplantation procedure.
• Endothelial cell density is a critical factor for corneal health and visual function post-PKP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify changes in endothelial cell density (ECD) following PKP.
• To assess the correlation between preoperative ECD, donor age, and postoperative ECD.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative specular endothelial microscopy was used.
• 39 donor corneas were analyzed before and at 3 and 12 months after PKP.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in central ECD was observed: 18.3% at 3 months and 33.6% at 12 months post-PKP.
• Postoperative ECD correlated strongly with preoperative ECD.
• No significant correlation was found between postoperative ECD and donor age.

Conclusions:

• Donor cornea endothelial cell density declines significantly after penetrating keratoplasty.
• Preoperative endothelial cell density is a key predictor of corneal health post-transplantation.
• Clinical specular microscopy screening of donor corneas before surgery is essential.