Effect of primary glaucoma and its treatment on corneal endothelium

Abstract

Normal corneal endothelial cells with a certain number and a specific monolayer hexagonal structure are the key to maintain corneal health and transparency. The high intraocular pressure of glaucoma itself, as well as the glaucoma medication, laser, and surgical treatments could affect the corneal endothelium. In angle-closure glaucoma, especially in acute attacks, long-term high intraocular pressure could lead to a decrease in corneal endothelial cell density. In animal experiments, high-concentration anti-glaucoma drugs could damage the corneal endothelium, but there was no such damage in clinical applications. Laser peripheral iridotomy could damage local corneal endothelial cells in a short period of time. The number of corneal endothelial cells near the bleb after trabeculectomy was reduced, and the damage was aggravated after the addition of mitomycin C, but the effect was not sustained. The local corneal endothelial cells were significantly reduced after the operation of Ahmed drainage valve, but EX-PRESS drainage nails did not have this damage. The effect of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery on corneal endothelial cells was mild in the short term.(Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2019, 43: 317-322) Key words: glaucoma; corneal endothelium