Corneal endothelial cells 6-7 years following cataract surgery in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Purpose: To assess the condition of the corneal endothelium an extended period after cataract surgery in eyes with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PES). Methods: Forty-six patients with PES who underwent cataract surgery in the Eye Department, Oslo University Hospital, in 2001 and 2002 were enrolled and compared to 101 matched controls without PES who had surgery in the same period. They were re-examined 67 years following surgery with measurements taken of corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), pleomorphism, polymegathism and corneal thickness. Results: Mean ECD was 2024 +/- 371 cells/mm2 in eyes with PES and 2144 +/- 365 cells/mm2 in eyes without PES. The difference was not statistically significant. No significant difference in polymegathism and pleomorphism was noted. Mean corneal thickness was 543 and 547 mu m in eyes with and without PES, respectively (not statistically significant). The presence of glaucoma in pseudoexfoliative eyes was not associated with endothelial cell changes. Conclusion: Six to 7 years following cataract surgery, no statistically significant differences were established in ECD, pleomorphism, polymegathism and corneal thickness in eyes with and without PES. No clinical signs of corneal decompensation were noted amongst the participants.