The impact of phacoemulsification on corneal endothelial cells in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Abstract

The effect of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEХ) on endothelial cells has been studied long enough. Yet the effect of phacoemulsification (PHACO) on endothelium in patients with PEХ is less explored. Purpose. To assess the impact of PHACO on corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) and on the coefficient of variation (CV) in patients with PEX. Material and methods. 30 patients (30 eyes) with PEX syndrome and 34 patients (34 eyes) with no such syndrome were examined before and after phacoemulsification. Results. In patients with PEX, the ECD after PHACO was significantly lower and CV was significantly higher (р < 0.05). Conclusion. PEX has a negative impact on endothelial cells, which leads to a pronounced cells loss after PHACO.

Keywords

• phacoemulsification
• pseudoexfoliation syndrome
• endothelial microscopy
• corneal endothelium