Corneal Endothelial Changes among High Myopic Patients of Different Age Groups

Abstract

Background: Myopia a refractive error that is a major contributor to visual disability across combined age groups all over the world.

Aim of the work: To detect changes in the corneal endothelial cells parameters among high myopic patients versus emmetropic  individuals in different age groups aiming at proper identification of the endothelial cells behavior; hence we can predict more precise  results after phaco refractive surgeries and implantable collamer lens (Icl) implantation.

Patients and methods: This case-control  research, performed on 168 eyes of 84 participants allocated into two groups: Group I (42 cases, 84 eyes): individuals with high myopic  eyes, and Group II (42 cases, 84 eyes): individuals with healthy emmetropic eyes as a control group at Outpatient Clinic, Ophthalmology  Department, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt for a period of six months from February 2021 to July 2021. (NIDEK CEM-530)  specular microscope was utilized to determine the central corneal thickness (CCT) of the participants.

Results: The study observed no  significant variance in CoV% among high myopic and emmetropic eyes, but there was a significant variation in ECD (Endothelial Cell  Density) and HEX% (Hexagonality) among the two groups. The mean ECD in high myopic eyes was 2533.79±315.37 cells/mm² , while in  emmetropic individuals, it was 2706.65±313.50 cells/mm² .

Conclusion: The research found that corneal endothelial cell density and  morphology significantly vary among different age groups, indicating a significant effect of age on corneal endothelial function.