Determination of Corneal Endothelial Cell Density and Morphology in Nigerians

Abstract

Aim: This chapter aims to determine the corneal endothelial cell density and morphology in Nigerians. Method: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult Nigerians in Port Harcourt, southern Nigeria. Using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method, study participants were chosen. All subjects underwent eye examinations: visual acuity testing, and anterior segment examination including specular microscopy and funducsopy. Results: A total of 480 participants (n=480) were investigated. There were 212 males (44.2%) and 268 females (55.8%) with a mean age of 43.0±14.2 years and range of 18-91 years. The results showed that the mean Endothelial Cell Density (ECD) was 2791±221 cells/mm2. Males tended to have a higher ECD (2882±220 cells/mm2) than females (2784±215 cells/mm2, p=0.490) in ages less than 40 years. Conclusion: The mean ECD obtained in adult Nigerians was 2791±221 cells/mm2. There was no statistically significant difference in ECD between males and females. In the study population, the level of corneal endothelial cell polymegathism rose with age, but this was also not statistically significant (p=0.141).