STUDY OF CHANGES IN CORNEAL ENDOTHELIAL CELL CHARACTERISTICS IN DRY EYE DISEASE

• Dr. Gayatri R. Gondhali,*  
• Dr. Shadakshari. S. Math,  
• Dr. Rahul K.

Abstract

Background: Corneal endothelial cells, vital for maintaining transparency and unable to regenerate, compensate for cell loss by enlarging adjacent cells, which leads to increased size and varying morphology with age. This study emphasizes how dry eye affects these cells, stressing the need to address this frequently neglected condition. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the changes in corneal endothelial cell characteristics in 33 dry eye disease (DED) patients versus 33 age and gender-matched control group, from age 18- 78 years. All subjects underwent full ophthalmic examination; various grades of DED diagnosed by Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, Tear Meniscus Height, Tear film break up time, Schirmer’s I test and Lissamine Green staining, and endothelium cells were assessed for endothelial cell density (ECD), cell morphology and central corneal thickness (CCT) by specular microscopy. Results: As compared to control group (57.73±8), the mean cell morphology was significantly altered in moderate DED (52±9)p=0.0497 and severe DED (49±7)p=0.004. CCT was significantly reduced in severe DED (485±32 µm)p=0.002 as compared to control group (533±34 µm). The mean ECD was lower in severe DED patients compared to controls, but not statistically significantly. Conclusion: The research found a correlation between DED severity and corneal endothelial cell characteristics. Severe DED leads to significant morphological alterations and reduced CCT. These findings highlight DED's impact on corneal cells, emphasizing early detection and intervention for preserving corneal health and improving intraocular surgery outcomes.

Keywords

Dry eye disease, Corneal endothelial cells, Endothelial cell density, Cell Morphology, Central corneal thickness, Specular microscopy