The Effects of Pars Plana Vitrectomy on the Corneal Endothelium

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of pars plana vitrectomy on the corneal endothelium. Thirty-one patients scheduled for pars plana vitrectomy were enrolled in this prospective study. Specular microscopic examination to check central corneal thickness (CCT) and central corneal endothelial density (CCED) was underwent at preoperatively and 1 week, 1 month, 2 months postoperatively. The duration of intravitreal irrigation and the volume of solution were checked also. Transient corneal edema and decrease in endothelial cell density with statistical significance was observed at 1 week postoperatively. We found that neither duration of intraocular irrigation nor the volume of solution used is related with corneal changes. The eyes with combined lensectomy showed more severe corneal edema and significant greater reduction of endothelial cell density at 1 month and 2 months postoperatively compared to phakic eyes. Diabetic eyes also showed a significant greater reduction of endothelial cell density at 2 months postoperatively compared to nondiabetic eyes.