Changes in Corneal Endothelial Cells and Central Corneal Thickness in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the research is to investigate the impact of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) on corneal endothelial cells and central corneal thickness.

Methods: In this analytic case-control study, the research sample included 60 patients (120 eyes), which was divided into two groups: the PEX group, 30 patients (60 eyes) obtained inclusion criteria and the control group, 30 patients (60 eyes) for result comparison, from patients visiting the ophthalmic clinic at Tishreen University Hospital. PEX degree was assessed using a slit lamp and the morphology of endothelial cells: endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation (COV) , percentage of hexagonal cells (EX%), average cell area (Avg.Cell Area) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were assessed using a specular microscope.

Results: The average of ECD was lower in the PEX group compared with the control group (p-value = 0.0001). The average of EX% was lower in the PEX group compared with the control group (p-value = 0.0001). No statistically significant differences were observed between the research groups in COV values (p-value = 0.9). The Avg.Cell Area was higher in the PEX group compared with the control group (p-value = 0.003). The average of CCT was lower in the PEX group compared with the control group (p value = 0.04).

Conclusion: Corneal endothelial cells morphology and central corneal thickness are affected in eyes with PEX syndrome, and these changes increase with the severity of PEX.