Specular microscopy of the corneal endothelium after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy

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Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate endothelial cell morphology and density after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Methods: We used a noncontact specular microscope to examine the central corneal endothelium of 50 eyes of 50 patients who had PRK for an attempted correction between −2.5 and −17.0 diopters (D) (mean −7.8 D) beginning 18 to 24 hours postoperatively. Results: After a follow-up of 11.4 ± 6.1 months (mean ± standard deviation), mean endothelial cell density was 2577.6 ± 402.0 cells/mm2 with rare signs of polymegathism and pleomorphism. Preoperative and untreated fellow eye endothelial cell density values were used as a control. Paired Student’s t-test and analysis of variance results were not significant (P > .05). Conclusion: Excimer laser PRK did not significantly change cell density and morphology.