The Importance of Evaluation of Corneal Endothelial Cell Count in Glaucoma Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the possible causes of decreased central corneal endothelial cell count in glaucoma patients and to acknowledge the importance of central corneal endothelial cell count evaluation. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study included 60 glaucomatous eyes that were being treated with topical anti-glaucoma drugs, 30 eyes that underwent laser iridotomy or trabeculectomy, and 60 control eyes. Intraocular pressure, duration of topical anti-glaucoma medications, mean number of topical anti-glaucoma drugs, and preoperative central corneal endothelial cells were analyzed. RESULTS: The numbers of central corneal endothelial cells in the topical anti-glaucoma medication group, the surgical group and the control group were 2681.30 +/- 355.33, 2435.57 +/- 646.81 and 2822.08 +/- 330.17 cells/mm2, respectively. The numbers in the topical anti-glaucoma medication group and the surgical group were significantly lower than that of the control group. The number of central corneal endothelial cells was significantly low in patients with longer duration of disease and in those taking a greater number of topical anti-glaucoma drugs (p = 0.003, p = 0.010) CONCLUSIONS: In glaucoma patients, corneal endothelial cell count is decreased by glaucoma surgery, laser therapy, long-term or multiple topical anti-glaucoma medications. When performing cataract surgery in glaucoma patients, preoperative corneal endothelial evaluation is essential.