Effects of ophthalmic laser procedures on corneal endothelium: A prospective study.

• Lohith Veerappa K G,  
• santosh kumar,  
• sridhar prasad Y P,  
• N Maheshwara*

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The corneal endothelium is essential for maintaining corneal transparency and hydration. Although laser procedures has been demonstrated to be a relatively safe procedure, there is still the potential long-term risk of corneal decompensation. Hence, knowing corneal endothelial loss may help reduce occurrence of corneal complications significantly. Methods: The present study was a prospective observational study carried out among adult patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore. All patients undergoing ophthalmic laser procedures such as Pan-retinal photocoagulation and Nd-YAG Capsulotomy in our institute were considered for the study. Pre laser procedure assessment of corneal endothelial cell density was measured. Follow up was done at 1st day, 1st week, 1st month and at 6th month to describe effect of laser procedure on corneal endothelium. Results: A total of 63 patients were enrolled in the study of which 34 patients (54%) were less than 65 years of age and men constituted almost two-third of the subjects (40 cases, 63.5%) with a mean age of 62.3 years. 55 cases were treated with Nd:YAG capsulotomy for posterior capsular opacity. In the present study there was statistically significant reduction in corneal endothelium changes namely the cell count, cell density and coefficient of variation in both surgical procedures (ND YAG and PRP) except for cell hexagonality which was significantly reduced only in ND YAG surgery. Conclusion: The present study further reinforces previous studies regarding safety profile of laser procedures on corneal endothelium. There is a need to counsel the patients regarding safety and side effects of these procedures.

Keywords

Keywords: Ophthalmic laser procedures, corneal endothelium, corneal cell density, Nd-YAG, PRP