Effect of Excimer Laser Photorefractive Keratectomy on Density and Morphology of Corneal Endothelial Cells

ABSTRACT

We investigated the effect of excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) on corneal endothelium in both contact lens wearer and non-wearer. Myopes (-3.0D~-9.5D) who underwent excimer laser PRK at Seoul National University Hospital from March to September 1996 were enrolled in this study. Six patients of 9 eyes had no history of contact lens wearing or discontinued wearing contact lens at least 1 year preoperatively (contact lens non-wearers) and 10 patients of 17 eyes wore their contact lenses until 4 weeks before surgery (contact lens wearers). The cnetral corneal endothelial cell density and morphology were evaluated by specular microscopy before and 1week, 3 and 6 months after surgery. In contact lens non-wearer group, no significant postoperative change was observed. But in contact lens wearer group, significnat increase of density and significant decrease fo pleopmorphism index were noted at postoperative 3 and 6 months, respectively. These results suggest that excimer laser PRK does not affect central corneal endothelium and the discontinuation of wearing contact lens may induce postoperative change of corneal endothelim.